The world's second-coldest capital faces record heatwave

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🗞️ Driving the news: Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital and one of the world’s coldest capitals, has experienced two record-breaking heatwaves this summer, with temperatures reaching 39.5°C on 14 July
• Across Kazakhstan, temperatures have exceeded 45°C in several regions, prompting emergency warnings and raising concerns over growing climate risks

🔭 The context: The extreme heat reflects a broader warming trend across Central Asia, a region warming faster than the global average
• Kazakhstan recorded its hottest year on record in 2025, with average temperatures nearly 3°C above the historical climate norm
• Rising temperatures are increasing pressure on health systems, water supplies, agriculture and ecosystems

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Central Asia illustrates how climate change is intensifying risks beyond traditional climate hotspots
• Heatwaves, glacier loss and changing rainfall patterns threaten food production, freshwater availability and energy security in a region that plays a major role in global wheat markets

⏭️ What’s next: Experts are calling for stronger adaptation measures, including national heat-health action plans, improved monitoring and investment in climate resilience
• Without accelerated action, rising temperatures are expected to increase heat-related deaths, drought risks and pressure on water resources

💬 One quote: “Projections show Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan face the steepest rises in heatwave-related mortality rates in Central Asia in the near term — and that’s under moderate climate scenarios. Sadly, it will get worse.” — Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe

📈 One stat: Kazakhstan’s glaciers have already lost between 14% and 30% of their mass since 1950.

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