A new study reveals a critical gap in climate change adaptation research for Central Asia’s mountainous regions, calling for enhanced collaboration and innovative strategies to protect these vulnerable areas.
Bridging the Research Gap in Climate Adaptation
Central Asia’s mountain regions are experiencing unique and severe impacts of climate change, such as glacial melt, water scarcity, and ecosystem shifts. These changes threaten the livelihoods of communities and the biodiversity of the region. A new systematic review published in Wiley consolidates existing knowledge from 52 English and Russian-language publications and identifies crucial gaps in understanding. Covering literature from 2013 to 2021, the study provides a comprehensive overview of current research trends, showing a disparity between the growing body of publications addressing climate change impacts and the limited focus on actionable adaptation strategies. This study is also an outcome of efforts by MRI’s Flagship Activity “Contribution to Sixth Assessment Cycle of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change”.
![](https://mountainresearchinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Central-Asia_publications-by-country_Z.Saidaliyeva-1024x635.png)
Key Insights from the Review
- Adaptation Strategies Lacking: Despite high vulnerability, there is a scarcity of academic publications addressing adaptation strategies. Most studies discuss climate change impacts without offering actionable recommendations. Only 11 publications reported transformative adaptation actions.
- Water Security Dominates: Water security and agricultural water use are the predominant topics, with 55% of studies focusing on these areas. This focus overshadows other critical areas such as hazard adaptation and biodiversity.
- Diverse Expertise Needed: There is an urgent need for expertise in biodiversity, disaster mitigation, montane farming, and public health to develop comprehensive adaptation strategies. The reviewed studies indicated limited attention to areas like land degradation, changes in plant species, and impacts of hazardous events.
- Building Advocacy and Capacity: Enhanced advocacy and awareness at multiple governance levels are essential, emphasizing the importance of transboundary cooperation. Capacity building among regional academics and practitioners is crucial for effective CCA implementation.
“Central Asia’s mountain regions face unique challenges such as glacial melt and water scarcity. Our systematic review consolidates knowledge and identifies gaps, providing a comprehensive overview. We aim to inform policymakers and NGOs, encourage collaboration among researchers, and promote interdisciplinary approaches to address the adaptation needs of these communities.”
Zarina Saidaliyeva, Lead author of “Adaptation to climate change in the mountain regions of Central Asia: A systematic literature review”
![](https://mountainresearchinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Almaty-city-downstream-community_Z.-Saidaliyeva-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://mountainresearchinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Warm-geothermal-artesian-salt-spring_Akespe_Vadim-Yapiyev-1024x576.jpg)
Left: Almaty city, a downstream community of Ile Alatau. Photo by Z. Saidaliyeva.
Right: Warm geothermal artesian salt spring in Akespe, near the Northern (Small) Aral Sea. Photo by Vadim Yapiyev.
Paving the Way for Future Mountain Research in Central Asia
The publication serves as a resource for policymakers, practitioners, and NGOs, providing evidence-based insights into effective adaptation strategies. It encourages collaboration among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders, promoting interdisciplinary approaches and knowledge exchange. By highlighting the specific vulnerabilities and adaptation needs of Central Asia’s mountain communities, the study aims to drive targeted research and policy development, fostering resilience and sustainable development in the region.
Citation
Saidaliyeva, Z., Muccione, V., Shahgedanova, M., Bigler, S., Adler, C., & Yapiyev, V. (2024). Adaptation to climate change in the mountain regions of Central Asia: A systematic literature review. WIREs Climate Change, e891. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.891
Authors and Contributors
- Zarina Saidaliyeva (The University of Reading, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Reading, UK)
- Veruska Muccione (University of Zurich, Department of Geography, Zurich, Switzerland)
- Maria Shahgedanova (The University of Reading, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Reading, UK)
- Sophie Bigler (Mountain Research Initiative, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland)
- Carolina Adler (Mountain Research Initiative, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland)
- Vadim Yapiyev (School of Mining and Geoscience, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan; International Science Complex Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan)
Cover image by Zarina Saidaliyeva