Tajikistan is among the countries most adversely affected by climate change
17.02.2010
Extreme weather conditions and melting glaciers pose a great threat to Tajikistan food security and social stability.
Its government recognises the threats but lacks the money and infrastructure to cope with such an overwhelming phenomenon.
Two thirds of the population depends on agriculture. And two years ago crops were damaged when an unusually cold winter was followed by a summer drought.
Glaciers melting by 20 m a year look set to cause more floods and mudflows in the spring.
Tajikistan (1) -- Analyses -- 2010
More about the melting glaciers
17.02.2010
And as nearly half of Central Asia's water resources originate in the Tajik mountains, there are concerns the melting glaciers could
lead to water shortages across the entire region.
Strategies for efficient water management are crucial. But instead there is growing tension in the region over its management.
The poorest country in Central Asia, Tajikistan also suffers from chronic energy shortages, especially in the winter.
The country is now building a giant hydroelectric power plant on the river Vaksh, but the project is strongly opposed by Uzbekistan, which lies downstream.
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