A special seismological study will be carried out in Almaty

A special seismological study will be carried out in Almaty. The Akimat will allocate funds for three years of research work, Liter.kz reports.

The president said this at a meeting of the National Science Council. According to him, it is important to make maximum use of the capabilities of science in predicting man-made and natural disasters and combating climate change.

Large-scale floods, forest fires and earthquakes in Almaty showed an urgent need for a high-quality scientific forecast, assessment of the likelihood and strength of the impact of various types of emergency situations. We have to admit that a number of systemic problems have accumulated in the field of emergency prevention over many years. First of all, this is a lack of qualified personnel and lack of proper scientific support. The situation requires a radical change in approaches to work, the head of state believes.

A decision was made to restore the irrigation and construction institute in Taraz with appropriate material and technical support.

Tokayev noted that the Institute of Seismology is in a deplorable situation. He instructed the government to make specific proposals to increase the scientific potential of the institute, as well as to develop seismology and instruments for monitoring the seismic regime.

We also face the task of forecasting and preventing energy failures, epidemics, and droughts. Relevant ministries and akimats should review development programs for industries and regions, taking into account possible risks of emergency situations. The scientific community, experts in the field of hydrology, climatology, geography, engineering and so on need to be involved in this work,” the head of state emphasized.

He noted that government agencies must rely on high-quality scientific support everywhere. Decisions must be carefully considered, justified, and only then made. Therefore, scientists and research centers in the country must have all the necessary tools to analyze and predict the situation.

According to some estimates, the president continued, in the next five years the global economy will lose about five trillion dollars due to climate change. Therefore, environmental issues are a priority.

A huge contribution to the study of climate change is made by the Regional Glaciological Center, created in 2020 in Almaty by decision of UNESCO. Scientists are not only studying the melting of glaciers, but also looking for ways to reduce vulnerability to mudflows and outbursts of glacial lakes.

In 2026, Kazakhstan will host a Regional Climate Summit under the auspices of the UN.

This important event will give us a good opportunity to draw the attention of the international community to the problems of melting glaciers, shallowing of rivers and lakes, desertification, and land degradation. We need to start preparing for the summit now, which, I am sure, will help consolidate the efforts of scientists, experts, and politicians to find answers to regional and global environmental challenges,” said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The president also said that Kazakhstan needs to join the number of countries that rely on scientific progress.