Kazakhstan’s climate change policy: reflecting national strength, green economy aspirations and international agenda

Abstract

This article looks at how Kazakhstan's heavy dependence on fossil fuels and its political context shape national discourse on climate change. Based on extensive analysis of the country's strategic documents and expert interviews, we argue that although Kazakhstan's economy relies on fossil fuels, the government is keen to promote sustainable development to attract international investments and advance its image as a 'strong state' for the domestic audience, and as a progressive and reliable partner for the international audience. Whilst there is little evidence of 'post-colonial' rhetoric appearing in Kazakhstan's official climate change discourse, the state's past is evident in its instrumental approach to environmental issues which in turn translates into inconsistencies in its climate change policy.

An Asymmetric Investigation of the Nexus Between Economic Policy Uncertainty, Knowledge Spillover, Climate Change, and Green Economy: Evidence From BRIC Nations

“…On the other hand, the impact of climate change on the green economy reveals negative and statistically significant. Study findings suggest that the growth of green economy transformation can dwindle due to environmental degradation with carbon emission in the ecosystem, resulting from the application of fossil energy rather than environmental adaptive energy (Weisser, 2007;Poberezhskaya and Bychkova, 2021). Tavakoli and Motlagh (2012) postulate that sustainability in a green economy relies on applying natural resources efficiently and prevents the present state of environmental depreciation.…”

Kazakhstan’s Quest for Status: A Secondary State’s Strategy to Shape Its International Image

“…The EXPO, the Green Bridge, and many other meetings and conventions on the environment hosted by Kazakhstan are partially aimed at a developed country audience. As Poberezhskaya and Bychkova (2021) write regarding Kazakh environmental initiatives, "This desire to match expectations of the global community (mostly the EU and the OECD members) correlates with Kazakhstan's persistent interest in gaining Western approval since its independence in 1991 (904)." But as they also note, Astana is clearly prioritizing the economy over the environment, what others have called "greenwashing"; the country creates a proenvironment narrative aimed at an international audience while continuing to rely on oil and gas exports economically.…”

“…The EXPO, the Green Bridge, and many other meetings and conventions on the environment hosted by Kazakhstan are partially aimed at a developed country audience. As Poberezhskaya and Bychkova (2021) write regarding Kazakh environmental initiatives, “This desire to match expectations of the global community (mostly the EU and the OECD members) correlates with Kazakhstan’s persistent interest in gaining Western approval since its independence in 1991 (904).” But as they also note, Astana is clearly prioritizing the economy over the environment, what others have called “greenwashing”; the country creates a pro-environment narrative aimed at an international audience while continuing to rely on oil and gas exports economically. Given the nature of Kazakhstan’s political economy, including the lack of transparency, these green initiatives also provide opportunities for the state to reward key supporters with business and rent seeking opportunities; thus, so-called “green” projects may be supported less for their impact on the environment than for their role in helping the regime continue in power.…”

Impact of Green Fiscal Policy on Investment Efficiency of Renewable Energy Enterprises in Kazakhstan

“…In the case of Kazakhstan, the target is to realize a green energy economy by 2050. Poberezhskaya and Bychkova (2021) analyze some of the fiscal policies in Kazakhstan concerning green energy projects to create an association between green fiscal policies and energy poverty reduction in the case study. The authors find that with the nation's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the renewable energy sector remains weak.…”

“…The interconnection in the article comes from the non-renewable energy industry shaping the political context in the nation, with the outcome of impacting the green energy policies. While the prevailing situation shows a promotion of non-renewable energy sectors, Poberezhskaya and Bychkova (2021) point out that since 2012, the nation has been advancing its renewable energy sector through reliable partnerships with the international audience.…”