Poll: Central Asia shows mixed reactions to COP29 and climate change concerns

The poll, which surveyed a representative sample of urban populations aged 18 and over across Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan in August 2024, uncovered the following key findings:

Mixed Views on the Need for Action to Tackle Climate Change

The poll highlights stark contrasts in attitudes toward climate change across the region. While over a quarter of respondents (28%) expressed deep concern, the level of urgency varies significantly between countries. In Uzbekistan, 38% of respondents reported being "very concerned" about the issue, followed by Kazakhstan at 33%. In contrast, in Georgia, 26% of respondents stated they were unconcerned, outnumbering those who considered the issue a serious concern (20%).

These findings indicate a region deeply divided on whether climate change should be an immediate priority or a lesser issue, presenting challenges in building a unified stance on climate action and sustainability.

A Significant “Awareness Gap” Around COP29

Awareness of COP29 is also uneven across the region. In Azerbaijan, 85% of respondents are familiar with the upcoming conference, but this figure drops significantly in other countries, where fewer than half of the polled population had heard of COP29 or understood its significance. This discrepancy underscores the challenge of raising the event’s profile beyond the host nation.

Although 51% of Azerbaijanis expressed strong support for hosting COP29, only 37% of respondents across the entire region shared the same enthusiasm. Even more strikingly, only 22% of respondents believe international climate conferences like COP29 are "highly effective" in addressing global climate issues. This indicates a credibility gap that COP29 organizers must address by delivering tangible results.

Clear Sustainability Priorities Across the Region

The poll also highlights key sustainability priorities across the region. Natural resource preservation and waste reduction emerged as the top concerns for respondents, reflecting an emphasis on pressing environmental issues. The expansion of renewable energy ranked third, suggesting a willingness to embrace future-focused solutions such as solar and wind energy. Meanwhile, sustainable agriculture and emissions reduction were viewed as lower priorities, indicating that broader global challenges may not yet resonate as strongly within the region.

“This polling provides an unprecedented look into how the region’s 80+ million citizens view climate change and sustainability,” said Eleanor Kramers, Managing Director at Montfort Eurasia. “For international businesses entering or operating in Central Asia, these findings highlight both the opportunities and challenges of responding to local priorities. As COP29 approaches, understanding these regional perspectives will be crucial for developing strategies that drive tangible sustainability outcomes and long-term business success.”

Montfort Eurasia will be on the ground in Baku supporting clients and contacts.