The Almaty Air Initiative Foundation has presented the results of its second annual survey on how residents of Almaty perceive air quality. Concern is growing, trust is declining, and air pollution remains the city’s main challenge.

The survey revealed an alarming trend: one in four Almaty residents (25%) is considering relocation due to environmental reasons — up from 17% last year. Among high-income residents, the figure is even higher.

Key findings of the 2025 Almaty Air Initiative Air Quality Perception Survey:

  • One in three residents experiences smog daily. The most common signs of air pollution are smog and haze, smell of burning or exhaust, dust, allergies, and breathing problems. On heavily polluted days, 35% take no action, 31% stay indoors, and 23% use air purifiers. The higher the income and education level, the more active the protective measures.
  • Concern is rising: 63% of respondents say air pollution seriously worries them (up from 55% in 2024).
  • Perceived air quality is worsening: the share of those dissatisfied rose from 42% in 2024 to 50% in 2025. Every second respondent considers the air “bad,” while only 14% rate it “good.” Six in ten believe air quality has deteriorated over the past 2–3 years.
  • Migration intentions are strengthening: 25% seriously consider leaving Almaty because of air pollution (17% in 2024). Among those earning over 1 million KZT per month, the share reaches 41%.
  • Health is at risk: 80% feel the effects of polluted air — mostly fatigue, headaches, and allergies. 74% see air pollution as dangerous for adults and 87% for children.
  • Nearly half (49%) would like to leave the city during winter smog (45% in 2024). Another 12% already do so annually. Those who leave report headaches, fatigue, allergies, and respiratory issues.
  • Main perceived sources of pollution: transport, followed by power plants and natural factors such as changes in wind patterns.
  • Awareness is increasing: 18% now know where to check air quality (10% in 2024). Yet 39% still rely on smell or visibility.
  • Trust in authorities is low: 63% believe government measures are ineffective; 53% distrust official statements.
  • Top expectations from authorities: reducing vehicle emissions (57%), converting power plants to gas (52%), and increasing green spaces (54%).
  • Awareness of initiatives remains low: 61% could not name a single concrete measure. Those who could most often mentioned low-emission zones, air purifiers, gas conversion of CHPs, electric transport, and initiatives like Taza Kazakhstan and Almaty Air Initiative.

Zhuldyz Saulebekova, Executive Director of Almaty Air Initiative:

“We began systematically studying how residents perceive air quality — last year we defined the baseline, and now we track changes annually. Awareness is growing: more people know where to check air quality. This is due in part to active media coverage, the work of Almaty Air Initiative, upcoming low-emission zones, and CHP gasification plans.

Yet there are warning signs: growing anxiety and the desire to leave the city because of pollution. This is a clear call to act — without delay.”

The full report is available on the Foundation’s official website: www.air.org.kz////

Photocredits: Andrey Kulagin, Instagram @kulagin