Almaty's Heat Island Problem: Overheating and Health Risks

Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, is facing a growing heat island problem, with nearly two-thirds of its residents living in areas with high or critical thermal risk. Dense construction, lack of greenery, and weak air movement contribute to this issue, leading to surface temperatures reaching up to 75°C. Residents in new microdistricts struggle with inadequate shade and overheating, with some courtyards usable only late in the evening. Climate modeling shows that further high-rise construction could exacerbate the problem, leading to increased temperatures and reduced ventilation. Experts call for a comprehensive climate policy integrated into urban planning to address these challenges.