Water and conflict in Central Asia

Written by

Indra Overland

Research Professor

Dastan Bekmuratov

Former employee

Roman Vakulchuk

Research Professor, Head of Research group on climate and energy

Ed.

Summary:

Temperatures in Central Asia are rising faster than the world average, reducing water availability, increasing food security, and causing more frequent natural disasters. The Aral Sea Basin’s arid climate makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Among the Central Asian countries, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are the most vulnerable to water stress. Inter-state disputes over water became more frequent during 2014-2024, including some violent conflicts. Water-related protests in Central Asia are becoming more frequent relative to other types of protest. Joint action is required to increase the region’s water storage capacity, since accelerated glacier melt may destabilize the seasonal runoff.

Published year: 2025
Publisher: Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
Page count: 12
Language: English