Future research directions for understanding the interconnections between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility in rural Central Asia
- Author(s)
- Kathleen Hermans, Nodir Djanibekov, Iskandar Abdullaev, Nilufar Abduvalieva, Aliya Assubayeva, Suzy Blondin, Ihtiyor Bobojonov, Christopher Conrad, Thomas Herzfeld, Johnson Kansiime, Barchynai Kimsanova, Murodbek Laldjebaev, Bakhrom Mirkasimov, Asel Murzakulova, Svetlana Rajabova, Aibek Samakov, Benjamin Schraven, Harald Sterly, Atabek Umirbekov
- Abstract
Central Asia faces substantial water scarcity due to increasing water demand driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, economic development, and inefficiency of irrigated agriculture. These developments are compounded by the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, loss of glacier mass and increased frequency of extreme events, including droughts. The region's escalating water scarcity is causing disputes and straining rural livelihoods. Moreover, these challenges drive migration, creating considerable societal impacts. However, these issues remain underexplored in climate change research, making the region a global blind spot in climate adaptation and migration studies. We advocate for innovative research pathways that scrutinize smallholder adaptation strategies, examine the nexus between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility, and investigate tensions and cooperation over water resources. We conclude by emphasizing that substantial investments in inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, improved data availability and quality, and strengthening of research and institutional capacities are essential to advance interdisciplinary climate impact research in Central Asia. Such efforts are vital for addressing existing knowledge gaps and enhancing evidence-based policymaking to improve the region’s position in current and future debates on climate change and sustainable development.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Geography and Regional Research
- External organisation(s)
- Leibniz-Institut für Agrarentwicklung in Transformationsökonomien, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU), Westminster International University in Tashkent, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Nazarbayev University, University of Central Asia, Universität Bern
- Journal
- Climate and Development
- Pages
- 1–10
- ISSN
- 1756-5529
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2024.2436090
- Publication date
- 12-2024
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 504021 Migration research, 105205 Climate change, 509023 Development research
- Keywords
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 13 - Climate Action
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/efb67a36-4747-4568-a1bc-a9036151367e