International

Central Asia Steps Up Air Quality Efforts Amid Rising Pollution

By Aiman Nakispekova on 28 April 2026

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 29th globally for air pollution in 2025, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels nearly five times above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, highlighting persistent environmental and public health challenges. PM2.5 refers to microscopic airborne particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing...