Changing realities

A story of people living at the frontline of climate change in their natural environment that they have known, respected and been part of for generations. During the past decade, their way of life has been drastically affected by climate change-induced occurrences like melting glaciers, prolonged drought and soil deterioration. In search of greener grasslands and water, these semi-nomadic people go higher and higher up the mountains. During the summer months, they can reach heights beyond 4,000m.

Kyrgyzstan and more generally Central Asia start to experience the effects of climate change first hand causing severe water shortages in the low lands and neighbouring countries and a deficit of energy produced by hydro power plants. Kyrgyzstan consists of a very large proportion of nomadic communities who witness of the environmental changes down the valleys and at high altitude. Recurrent periods of drought are longer and longer, glaciers are melting at a speed never witnessed before, and green pastures become more difficult to find. In a country of intensive animal breeding, the remaining grasslands are insufficient and over grazing accelerates soil degradation. All new challenges that the communities have to adapt to. The volume of the mighty high altitude rivers is also decreasing due to drought and lack of snow and rain in the mountains, endangering the production of electricity and further reducing the water flow of the rivers downstream. One of those rivers is the Naryn river which has the largest hydro power plants along its route in the region. The Naryn river flows into the Syr Darya which is crucial for irrigation of the agriculture heartland of Central Asia and who eventually flows into the Aral Sea, or at least what is left of it. At the present pace, Central Asia could easily become a future hotspot of water and energy conflicts. Low intensity conflicts already occur between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. However, the communities are convinced they can adapt themselves.