Uzbekistan's Initiatives to Combat Climate Change and Environmental Stability

Therefore, more than ever, countries are not only striving for, but also compelled to implement practical measures to ensure environmental safety. Recognizing that such global challenges cannot be addressed alone, countries are taking steps toward international cooperation.

The Republic of Uzbekistan is actively promoting the need to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation on the international agenda. A striking example is the speech by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

The head of state specifically addressed the issue of climate change. Indeed, climate change has become a negative consequence of anthropogenic impact. According to open sources, 2024 was recognized as the hottest year in human history. Consequently, greenhouse gas concentrations have risen, trapping solar heat and leading to global warming. Therefore, these countries need to coordinate their efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions (Uzbekistan adopted a separate law on this issue in July of this year). Specifically, Uzbekistan's initiative is aimed at implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement, which includes a commitment to gradually reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Regarding climate change, the increase in climate migration was noted. In this regard, the creation of a specific international mechanism and legal framework was proposed. In our opinion, this issue should be addressed through an international act, adopted under the auspices of the UN. This issue is linked not only to ecology but also to socioeconomic problems, as flows of "climate migrants" can cause other problems related to employment, social security, and adaptation. Countries should address the root causes of climate migration: take effective measures to mitigate environmental impacts, create favorable living conditions, etc. These mechanisms should be regulated within the framework of the aforementioned international instrument.

Traditionally, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan addressed the negative impacts of the drying up of the Aral Sea. The Head of State has repeatedly raised this issue at the UN (at the 72nd, 75th, 76th, and 78th sessions of the UN General Assembly, the problems of the Aral Sea region and the environmental situation related to the drying up of the Aral Sea were addressed). Thanks to Uzbekistan's efforts, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution "On the declaration of the Aral Sea region as a zone of environmental innovation and technology." An Action Plan and a Program of Measures for sustainable socio-economic development, employment, and improving living standards are being implemented. Uzbekistan is actively working to restore the Aral Sea ecosystem. In recent years, plants have been planted on the seabed covering a total area of ​​2 million hectares. In the first half of this year alone, 701 hectares of forests were planted, and 41 hectares of terraces were created. It is expected that by 2030, up to 80% of the entire territory will be covered with greenery. Overall, the attention of the international community is important. The drying up of the Aral Sea has caused approximately 150 million tons of salt to rise into the air annually. According to experts, the damage from this is felt not only in the region but also in Antarctica.

One of the key issues noted by the President is water shortages. Currently, more than two billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. For Uzbekistan, addressing water shortages is becoming a matter of life and death. In this regard, it was proposed to host a World Water Forum in Uzbekistan. The forum proposes defining the water crisis as a serious threat to sustainable development. Consequently, it is proposed to adopt a separate roadmap for the implementation of innovative technologies at the global level. This initiative is important, as jointly addressing water shortages, especially in transboundary water use, is crucial. A unified approach within the framework of international cooperation will help mitigate the consequences of water shortages in the future.

A systemic proposal by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the adoption of a Global Compact on Broad International Partnership. This compact is a logical implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The compact allows for addressing environmental issues through agreements, knowledge and experience sharing, and defining financial mechanisms. The pact will also reinforce the approach that the environment is a "global public good." International instruments generally have positive characteristics and practical impact. For example, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer demonstrated that a coordinated global response can lead to the restoration of natural processes. Research has shown that, thanks to reduced concentrations of harmful emissions, global radiative forcing declined five years earlier than predicted.

The above proposals are important from the perspective of international cooperation between countries to ensure environmental safety and well-being. This is also important for our country. After all, 2025 has been declared the "Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy" in Uzbekistan, and a corresponding state program has been adopted. Implementing the goals of this program, in conjunction with international initiatives, will ensure stability and a favorable environment.

Abdulaziz Rasulev, Academic Secretary of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Law, Professor