Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  As the first-ever UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Central Asia approaches, new polling by Montfort Eurasia highlights significant regional differences in attitudes toward climate change and a substantial credibility gap regarding the conference’s awareness and impact.

Polling of a representative sample of urban populations aged 18 and over across Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in August 2024 found:

Mixed views on the need for action to tackle Climate Change

The polling highlights stark contrasts in attitudes towards climate change. While over a quarter of respondents (28%) expressed deep concern, the level of urgency varies dramatically between nations. In Uzbekistan, 38% of respondents said they were "very concerned" about the issue, followed by Kazakhstan at 33%. However, in Georgia, 26% of respondents reported being unconcerned - outnumbering those who said the issue was a serious one for them (20%).

These findings reflect a region sharply divided on whether climate change is an immediate priority or a lesser issue, making it challenging to build consensus around climate action and sustainability.

A significant “Awareness Gap” around COP 29

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

Despite 51% of Azerbaijanis expressing strong support for hosting the conference, only 37% of respondents across the region share the same enthusiasm. Even more strikingly, only 22% of respondents believe that international climate conferences like COP29 are "highly effective" in addressing global climate issues. This points to a credibility gap that COP29 organisers will need to overcome by delivering tangible results.

Clear sustainability priorities, across the region

The poll also identifies key sustainability priorities across the region. Natural resource preservation and waste reduction emerge as the top concerns for respondents, reflecting an emphasis on immediate environmental issues. Expansion of renewable energy ranks third, indicating an openness to future-focused solutions like solar and wind energy. Meanwhile, sustainable agriculture and emissions reduction are seen as lower priorities, suggesting that broader global challenges may not yet resonate as strongly in 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.”