Living Through Smog in Almaty: Influence of Area of Residence on Attitudes and Responses to Air Pollution

Abstract

One of the greatest environmental as well as health problems in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is the problem of air pollution because winter PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in this city often exceed WHO recommendations for three to five times. Whereas scientific research into the technical aspects of this problem (identifying reasons, consequences, annual concentrations and so on) has been widely conducted, the socio-spatial aspects, such as the influence of the area of residence on people’s perception as well as attitude toward air pollution, have not been properly studied within the Kazakhstani environment. This study seeks to fill the existing gap as well as explore the issue from both technical and socio-spatial perspectives by using spatial monitoring of PM2.5 concentration levels throughout Almaty’s districts in January 2026, as well as conducting twelve interviews. Based on spatial analysis, a pollution gradient is established in the lower altitude districts (Alatau, Auezov, Turksib, Zhetysu) against the southern highland districts (Medeu, Bostandyk) due to coal-based heating at homes, thermal power stations, industrial emission of pollutants, and meteorological temperature inversion. Findings obtained through qualitative research suggested the existence of pollution experiences among residents in different parts of the city. Pollution experienced by residents is described by them as a sulfur smell, a smell of burning chemicals, difficulty seeing the mountains due to poor visibility, as well as physical pain. Health-related awareness about pollution is high for all groups; participants associated smog with acquired breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, post-COVID symptoms, and fatigue. They even compare the air quality in Almaty to smoking hundreds of cigarettes. The study’s conclusions can be understood within the framework of environmental well-being as well as ecological reflexivity concepts to show how the commodification of good air in Almaty is achieved through its inclusion into property values as well as availability only to the high-income population groups, whereas fatalistic attitudes towards pollution prevail among those who experience it most. As for coping mechanisms, they remained individual as well as commercialized rather than involving collective actions that would drive city authorities. The only means to break the vicious circle of privilege in the environment, as stated by residents themselves, is taking structural actions such as gasification, development of efficient public transportation, taxing private cars for environmental damages, and relocation of industry. Moreover, public health communication should be based on people’s perception and what is closer to them, as well as more tangible to them.