ALMATY RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH ON AIR QUALITY IN ALMATY

Concern over air quality in Almaty is rising, reflected in the results of the first large-scale public survey by Almaty Air Initiative. The survey of 1,000 respondents revealed that 42% believe air in their areas is in poor or very poor condition. In contrast, residents of Nauryzbay and Medeu districts are more optimistic (29% and 31% respectively), while in Zhetysu district 56% are dissatisfied with local air quality.

The problem is worsening yearly: 57% of Almaty residents say air quality has significantly deteriorated over the past 2–3 years, and 44% expect further decline in coming years.

The main sources of discomfort cited are dust and dirt, smog and haze, plus the smell of exhaust fumes and chemicals.
“I feel that every time I step outside I breathe something unhealthy,” says 35-year-old Aliya from Zhetysu district.
“Every day I notice more smog and dust. It really affects our health.”

Differences by District

Views vary significantly by district. Medeu and Nauryzbay are considered “relatively safe”: 10% and 8% of respondents rate air quality as excellent, whereas in Auezov, Alatau, and Turksib this figure is just 2–3%. Still, 29–31% in these “relatively safe” districts rate air quality as poor to very poor. Interestingly, residents from less privileged districts are often unaware how to monitor air quality, endangering their health.

Health Risks: How Polluted Air Affects Well‑Being

A key survey finding is threat perception: two-thirds believe polluted air is a serious danger to children’s health, and 45%think so about adults.
In Zhetysu, 75% consider air pollution dangerous for children—higher than the 66% citywide average.

Two-thirds (60%) reported noticing smells or smog on the streets this summer.
Dust and dirt were associated with air quality by 48%; smog/haze by 33%, and smells of burning, exhaust, or chemicals by 23%.

Among respondents, 54% said they have no chronic illnesses. Among those who do: weakened immunity (21%), chronic respiratory issues (20%), cardiovascular disease (13%), and neurological disorders (7%).

Many link their symptoms to air quality: 41% report headaches, fatigue, or dizziness; 35% have respiratory symptoms like cough or shortness of breath; 34% mention allergies; 30% report eye/nose/throat irritation; 26% note general malaise.

Behaviorally, one‑third limit time outdoors on heavily polluted days, and two‑thirds choose recreation spots based on air quality. Yet only 37% actually stay indoors, just 20% use home air purifiers, and 32% take no precautions during heavy pollution. Why?

Awareness & Trust

74% don’t know how to check air quality, relying on subjective impressions. Among those who think they know, 40%base it on smell or visibility. Only 23% use apps like AirVisual or AirKZ. Among ages 18–24 and over 55, this rises to 80%.

By district, awareness varies: in Bostandyk and Medeu, more know air monitoring methods, but 69% and 62% still don’t. In Alatau and Zhetysu, 86% and 81% lack this knowledge.

“With growing discontent about air quality, especially in the worst areas, access to reliable data is vital. Many experience symptoms tied to pollution, but lack objective tools to judge the situation.”
— Zhuldiz Saulebekova, Almaty Air Initiative Executive Director.

Distrust & Pessimism

55% distrust official statements on air improvement; only 7% know of any related projects.

When asked about government measures, 32% called them ineffective, and 30% said very ineffective—fostering distrust and pessimism.

Brain Drain & Future Plans

“Our study confirms that air pollution is not just lowering quality of life; it’s contributing to brain drain and economic loss,” says Saulebekova.

17% say they seriously consider relocation due to air quality. This doubles to 35% among those earning over 600k tenge; those earning less than 300k: only 5–8%.

One in four entrepreneurs also considers moving.
26% of parents with children are seriously considering relocation, compared to 13% of those without—posing a demographic challenge.

“We’re trying to protect our kids; this environment makes it harder,” says Aliya.

45% would leave Almaty in winter if possible—signaling rising mobility and uncertainty about Almaty’s future. Talent and entrepreneur flight threatens its regional competitiveness.

“We must act now to avoid further decline,” states 45-year-old Stanislav, ready to leave if he could.

Despite concern, 18% are optimistic air quality will improve—especially in Nauryzbay, where 28% expect positive change.
However, the majority—44%—believe it will worsen.

Public Demand for Real Action

Almatykans recognize that fixing air isn’t solely government responsibility—it demands collective action. Key proposed measures:

• Reduce vehicle emissions – 58% say it’s critical;
• Develop public transport – 42% support;
• Expand green spaces – 56% agree;
• Switch to clean fuel and convert plants to gas – 48% and 49%;
• Regulate car numbers/day restrictions – 16%;
• Promote public transit – 10%;
• Electric vehicles – 7%;
• Cycling/scooters – 4%;
• Maintain cleaner cars – 2%;
• Strict emission control – 1%;
• Ban old imports/usage – 1%;
• Walk more – 3%.

Industry & Factories

Proposals include:

• Install filters – 9%;
• Control construction/tall buildings – 9%;
• Monitor industrial emissions – 2%;
• Upgrade/filter equipment – 2%.

Environmental Actions

Suggestions:

• Greening the city – 18%;
• Maintain cleanliness – 17%;
• Restore wind corridors – 4%;
• Ban burning waste/rubber – 8%;
• Waste sorting – 2%;
• Stop using coal – 1%;
• Improve public spaces, reduce BBQ stands, free courses – combined 3%.

Government & Law

• Engage authorities and escalate issue – 2%.

Final Takeaway

Air pollution in Almaty has grown beyond an ecological issue—it affects the city’s future. The research highlights:

• Health risks
• Migration intent
• Talent exodus
• Public distrust

City authorities and society must unite around real measures to ensure clean air becomes the norm and not the luxury. We believe that Almaty can regain its status as a comfortable, clean city, and its future depends on our current actions.