Karaganda Records Consistently "High" and "Very High" Levels of Air Pollution for Over a Decade - CACF
Images | Depositphotos
For over ten years, the city of Karaganda has been experiencing persistently high and very high levels of air pollution. More than half a million residents are exposed to air contaminated with suspended particulate matter, hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful chemical compounds. In 2024 alone, the city recorded over 46,000 instances where concentrations of hazardous substances exceeded permissible limits - 14,000 more than in Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis, Almaty, Project Office for Central Asia on Climate Change and Green Energy reports.
Karaganda is currently the fifth most populous city in the country, with a population exceeding 500,000. It is also one of Kazakhstan’s key industrial regions, home to a major territorial-industrial complex centered around heavy industry.
The local climate, typical for Northern and Central Kazakhstan, is sharply continental, characterized by harsh winters, moderately hot summers, and low annual precipitation.
The main sources of atmospheric pollution in Karaganda are thermal power plants, coal mining enterprises, and emissions from the private residential sector. Approximately 25,000 households in Karaganda use solid-fuel stoves for heating, consuming an average of 290,000 tonnes of coal during the heating season.
According to the national hydrometeorological service Kazhydromet, between 2015 and 2022 the Air Pollution Index for Karaganda was classified as "high". In 2023, the index was raised to "very high". In 2024, based on the Standard Index, the level of air pollution remained at the "very high" level.
In 2023, maximum exceedances reached up to 22.6 times the permissible level for PM2.5 and up to 12.1 times for PM10. In 2024, exceedances rose further to 26.6 times the limit for PM2.5 and 14.2 times for PM10. These elevated concentrations result primarily from the large number of coal-fired heating sources and industrial facilities operating on coal.
In 2024, a total of 46,256 exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations were recorded by air monitoring stations, with the majority attributed to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and hydrogen sulfide.
In addition to these pollutants, elevated levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, phenol, and ozone are also present in Karaganda's atmosphere.
It is important to note that the Regional Ecological Summit will take place in Astana from April 22-24, 2026. This high-level forum, with the participation of international experts, will address environmental challenges in Central Asia and explore viable solutions for the region.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day
Images | Akorda
On December 16, Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day, one of the country’s main national holidays, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Law "On the Independence and Sovereignty of the State" was adopted, enshrining the country’s right to pursue independent political, economic, and cultural development.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended his congratulations to Kazakhstanis on the occasion of Independence Day of Kazakhstan.
In his congratulatory message, the Kazakh President noted this holiday holds special significance for the Kazakhstani people, who made a voluntary and definitive choice in favor of the country’s sovereign path of development.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also said he is assured that the large-scale reforms currently being implemented will lead the country to success. By consistently following a strategic course of comprehensive modernization, we will build a Just, Strong, Clean, and Safe Kazakhstan, he added.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Melodies of the Great Steppe Resound in the Heart of Kuala Lumpur
Images | gov.kz
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Malaysia, in cooperation with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, organized a unique fusion concert of Kazakh and Malaysian folk art featuring the Shamshi Kaldayakov Philharmonic of the Turkestan Region and the City Hall Orchestra. The event was held within the framework of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage abroad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The concert program showcased traditional Kazakh dances, as well as musical and vocal performances reflecting the identity, history, and spiritual values of the Kazakh people. In turn, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Folk Orchestra presented vibrant examples of Malaysian musical art. The high level of professionalism of the performers, colorful national costumes, and a rich program drew great interest and received a warm response from the audience.
Dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the concert became a cultural bridge between the two countries, bringing together more than 400 friends of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia, including representatives of the Malaysian Government, the diplomatic corps, cultural and public figures, business circles, and the Kazakh diaspora.
The event was honored by the presence of Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abdul Kadir and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Malaysia Johari bin Abdul.
Music speaks a universal language understood by all. Today’s concert demonstrated that through culture we grow closer and lay a solid foundation for further partnership", emphasized the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbaev.
Guests highly praised the level of organization and noted the importance of such cultural initiatives in strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
The Film "Kazhymukan" Has Been Presented to the Warsaw Audience
Images | gov.kz
On the occasion of Kazakhstan’s upcoming Independence Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Poland organized a screening of the film "Kazhymukan" by director Kanagat Mustafin in Warsaw, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Participants included representatives of the diplomatic corps, figures from public, political and business circles, as well as members of the Kazakh diaspora and students from Kazakhstan.
In the Embassy’s welcoming remarks, it was noted that Kazakh cinema is becoming an important tool for introducing the Polish audience to Kazakhstan’s history, traditions, and outstanding personalities.
The audience received the film with warmth, appreciating the filmmakers’ artistry as well as the importance of Kazhymukan’s character for shaping Kazakhstan’s national identity.
An informal discussion followed the screening, during which participants reflected on the cultural and biographical background of the character, the contribution of the film’s creators to the international visibility of Kazakh art, and the possibilities for future screenings in Poland.
Many in the audience emphasized the importance of holding such screenings more frequently, noting that they deepen cultural ties, encourage better mutual understanding, and enrich the Polish public’s perception of Kazakhstan.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakh Film Days Held in Istanbul
Images | gov.kz
The Kazakh Film Days were successfully held in Istanbul, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul. The event drew considerable interest from local residents, members of the Kazakh diaspora, and representatives of Istanbul’s official institutions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Officials from the Istanbul authorities took part in the opening and proceedings of the festival, expressing their support for the initiative aimed at enhancing cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Their participation underscored the importance of humanitarian cooperation between the two brotherly nations and elevated the significance of the event within the city’s cultural agenda.
The programme featured four key works of Kazakh cinema: the historical drama Qajymuqan, the screen adaptation of the classic literary work My Name is Kozha, the biographical film Amre, and the large-scale historical production Kazakh Khanate: The Golden Throne. The screenings in Kazakh with subtitles offered the Turkish audience a unique opportunity to explore Kazakhstan’s culture and historical narratives more deeply.
Viewers praised the high artistic quality and profound content of the films, which reflect Kazakhstan’s national values, history, and cultural richness. The festival reaffirmed the growing role of Kazakh cinema as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan Captures the Interest of North Macedonian Students
Images | gov.kz
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to North Macedonia, Satybaldy Burshakov, delivered a presentation lecture to students and faculty members of the Goce Delcev University in Shtip, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The diplomat informed the audience about Kazakhstan's current development, the political and socio-economic reforms led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country's achievements in foreign policy, its geopolitical role in the modern world, and the results of Kazakh-Macedonian cooperation.
The audience showed particular interest in the development of Kazakhstan's higher education system and its international academic and educational programs.
During a meeting with the University Rector, Dejan Mirakovski, Ambassador Burshakov discussed opportunities and prospects for deepening cooperation in the field of education. An agreement was reached on the need to strengthen partnerships between universities and scientific centres of the two countries.
Rector D. Mirakovski expressed profound interest in establishing mutually beneficial ties with Kazakh educational institutions, emphasizing the prospects for academic exchange, joint projects, and the expansion of scientific and educational interaction.
The university leadership expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Kazakhstan for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the country and highlighted the importance of holding such meetings in the future.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
"Armour of God: Ultimatum" to be filmed in Mangistau
Images | Facebook/Jackie Chan
Actor Jackie Chan and director of Armour of God: Ultimatum, Robert Kun, have officially designated Mangistau as the main filming location for their new major cinematic project, Qazinform News Agency has learnt from the Regional Public Communications Center.
During the visit, the film team examined the region’s natural and infrastructural potential, touring dozens of possible sites and conducting thorough inspections of key natural landmarks. Following extensive discussions, Mangistau was selected as the filming location for Armour of God thanks to its unique landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and distinctive natural character.
Preparatory and organizational work on the project will continue as planned.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.