Report on Air Quality in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Executive Summary

This report details the air quality conditions in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as of October 17, 2025. The city experienced “unhealthy” air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 150, primarily driven by high concentrations of PM2.5. This acute pollution event, coupled with a chronic annual average PM2.5 concentration 6.3 times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, presents a significant challenge to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Current Air Quality Status and Forecast

Status as of October 17, 2025

• Air Quality Index (AQI): Over 150, classified as “Unhealthy.”
• Primary Pollutant: PM2.5.
• Global Ranking: At noon local time, Tashkent was ranked as the most polluted major city in the world.

Historical Context and SDG 11

The city’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 31.5 µg/m³, corresponding to a “moderate” AQI of 92. This figure is 6.3 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. This persistent level of pollution directly undermines progress on SDG 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by improving air quality.

Forecast

Meteorological forecasts indicate that strengthening winds are expected to disperse pollutants, leading to a gradual improvement in air quality. The AQI is projected to fall into the “moderate” category (below 90) in the evening and continue to improve over the subsequent days.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The high concentration of PM2.5 poses a direct threat to public health, contradicting the core mission of SDG 3. Exposure to such conditions can lead to severe health complications, especially for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health issues. Documented health risks include:

• Acute respiratory issues.
• Exacerbation of cardiovascular problems.
• Impaired lung function.

Analysis of Pollution Sources and SDG Linkages

The poor air quality in Tashkent is a result of multiple factors, each linked to specific development challenges and SDGs.

1. Natural and Climatic Factors (36%): Windblown dust from the region’s arid climate is a major contributor. This highlights the need for urban planning and green infrastructure that aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) by building resilience to climate-related hazards.
2. Heating Systems (28%): The widespread use of coal and fuel oil for heating points to a heavy reliance on polluting energy sources. A transition to cleaner alternatives is essential for achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
3. Transport Emissions (16%): An aging vehicle fleet and the use of low-quality fuels are significant sources of pollution. Addressing this requires investment in sustainable transport systems and infrastructure, a key target of SDG 11.2.
4. Industrial and Energy Sector (13%): Emissions from factories and power plants underscore the need to promote sustainable industrialization and adopt cleaner production technologies, in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Recommendations for Public Safety

To mitigate health risks during periods of unhealthy air quality, the following protective measures are advised for the public:

• Limit time spent outdoors, especially strenuous activities.
• Keep windows and doors closed to prevent polluted air from entering indoor spaces.
• Utilize high-performance air purifiers indoors to create a cleaner air environment.
• Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask if outdoor activity is unavoidable.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on air quality in Tashkent primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     This goal is directly relevant because the article explicitly details the negative health impacts of poor air quality. It states that the “unhealthy” conditions “can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities.” This establishes a clear link between environmental pollution and human health.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     This goal is central to the article’s theme, as it focuses on the environmental conditions within a specific urban area, Tashkent. The article discusses the city’s air quality index (AQI), its ranking as the “most polluted major city,” and the sources of its pollution, which are all aspects of urban environmental management and sustainability.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • Target 3.9

     Under SDG 3, Target 3.9 aims to “substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The article’s discussion of health problems like “respiratory issues” and worsened “heart problems” caused by PM2.5 pollution directly relates to the “illnesses from… air pollution” component of this target.

   • Target 11.6

     Under SDG 11, Target 11.6 seeks to “reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.” The entire article is an analysis of Tashkent’s air quality, measuring pollution levels (AQI over 150), identifying the primary pollutant (PM2.5), and comparing the city’s pollution to global standards. This aligns perfectly with the target’s focus on urban air quality.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions and implies specific indicators for measuring progress:

   • Indicator for Target 3.9

     The relevant indicator is 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. While the article does not provide mortality statistics, it strongly implies this indicator by describing the severe health conditions (“respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function”) that contribute to this mortality rate. The presence of these illnesses is a precursor to the data measured by this indicator.

   • Indicator for Target 11.6

     The article directly provides data for Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted). It explicitly states, “Tashkent’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 31.5 µg/m³,” and notes this is “6.3 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.” This is a direct measurement used to track progress on Target 11.6.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.	Indicator 3.9.1 (Implied): Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. The article discusses the health issues (respiratory, heart problems) that lead to this mortality.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.	Indicator 11.6.2 (Mentioned): Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities. The article states Tashkent’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 31.5 µg/m³.

Source: iqair.com