Data is available in the Taza Air app and on the IQAir platform.

An independent air quality monitoring network has been launched in Karaganda. This was made possible through the joint efforts of Almaty Air Initiative, the Karaganda Regional Ecological Museum, and Satbayev University. The data is already available to all users through the Taza Air app and the IQAir platform.

In 2024, Karaganda ranked among the three most polluted cities in the world according to IQAir, surpassing most cities in India, Pakistan, and China. By the end of 2025, it ranked 26th globally. Until recently, however, air quality monitoring in the city was extremely limited: there was only one independent sensor operating in the Mikhailovka neighborhood, while just one of Kazhydromet’s three automated monitoring stations measured PM2.5 — one of the most dangerous air pollutants for human health.

A major industrial cluster is located near Karaganda and the neighboring city of Temirtau. Major emission sources include the Qarmet steel plant, which, according to Climate TRACE, ranks among the top 0.02% of the world’s largest point sources of PM2.5 emissions, and CHP-3, which ranks among the top 10% of PM2.5 emitters worldwide.

Karaganda residents can now monitor air quality in real time and make informed decisions to protect their health: limit time spent outdoors, wear protective respirators, avoid opening windows for ventilation, and use air purifiers.

Thanks to an initiative by Almaty Air Initiative, Satbayev University*, and local activists, 12 sensors are being installed in Karaganda (8 IQAir sensors and 4 AirGradient sensors). The local partner, the EcoMuseum, received the equipment and is assisting with installation. Some of the sensors are already providing real-time data through Almaty Air Initiative’s services: the dashboard at dashboard.air.org.kz and the Taza Air app, as well as the IQAir app and website. Installation of the remaining sensors is underway, and their data will soon be available to all users.

Zhuldyz Saulebekova, Executive Director of Almaty Air Initiative:

“Clean air starts with transparent data. We believe that everyone has the right to clean air and reliable information about the air they breathe. International experience shows that accessible and independent monitoring is an important first step toward improving air quality. Our goal is to make independent community-based air quality monitoring as accessible as possible.”

 

The EcoMuseum team commented:

“Collecting and sharing environmental information is the foundation of our work and our core mission. The launch of an independent monitoring network in Karaganda gives residents access to reliable air quality data and enables them to participate in addressing environmental challenges based on evidence.”

Expanding the independent monitoring network beyond Almaty marks an important milestone for the foundation. Recently, Almaty Air Initiative launched its operations under the Taza Initiative brand in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and one of the world’s most polluted cities. There, the foundation will continue developing its community-based air quality monitoring model as a tool for data transparency and public engagement.

Background

*The sensors provided by Satbayev University were purchased as part of scientific project No. BR21881908, “Comprehensive Environmental Support for Urban Agglomerations.”

 

About Almaty Air Initiative

Almaty Air Initiative is a foundation dedicated to improving air quality in Almaty. The foundation develops independent air quality monitoring networks, conducts research, makes air pollution data more accessible, and promotes dialogue between the public, businesses, and government institutions.

Media Contact

Anna Nikitenko,

pr@air.org.kz, +7 777 055 19 92,

Website: www.air.org.kz | Instagram: @air.org.kz