Uzbekistan
Climate change impacts
It takes only 110 days for the average Canadian to produce as much greenhouse gases as the average Uzbek will produce over the course of the entire year. Therefore, April 20th (110 days into the year) is "Climate Change Impacts in Uzbekistan Day."
Warming rates observed in Uzbekistan since 1951 are more than twice the global average. As the climate continues to change throughout the 21st century it is expected to increase the chances of drought in the country, and could decrease the productivity of some grains and vegetables. These changes are expected to reduce cotton crop yields by more than 20% in some areas of Uzbekistan. Cotton is one of the country's leading exports.
Climate change could also impede efforts to save parts of the Aral Sea. The Sea, once the world's fourth largest lake, has shrunk by 90% since Soviet policies diverted river flows for cotton irrigation.
Story
"Aleksandra Povaric, volunteers within the Youth Environment of Uzbekistan and her words reveal a dedication to volunteerism, "a driving force", she says, "able to channel youth energy, ideas and ambitious goals to sensitize civil society".
"Some weeks ago," she continues, "in a Tashkent square, trees dating back to the 18th century were cut down. It was a major loss for our capital; neither was it the best message about the environment and the protection it deserves. We wanted to raise awareness and sensitize the local community in order to prevent those situations happening again."
To continue reading the article, "Youth volunteers leading the way on climate change", visit the United Nations Volunteers page.
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