An average resident of Almaty starts harming themselves from the very first breath they take — all because of the steadily worsening environmental situation within the city limits. Almaty regularly appears at the top of various anti-rankings, and at its peak, it often secures first place among the most polluted cities in the world. The situation has become so critical that a single year of living in the city is now equivalent to smoking 24 packs of cigarettes — around two cigarettes a day.

Experts highlight several reasons that leave Almaty’s residents with virtually no chance to breathe freely.

Cars: The City’s Unseen Smokestacks

Researchers believe that the primary cause of the environmental collapse is motor vehicles, responsible for 60–80% of the city’s pollution. On Almaty’s roads, you’re far more likely to see old foreign cars or remnants of the Soviet auto industry with removed catalytic 

Hidden Polluters at Home

A large portion of its population lives in private housing that is actively heated, using coal and wood. Besides this, several thermal power stations exist within the city, burning coal that puts out huge amounts of fine particulate matter — worsening an already dire situation.

When Mountains Become Walls

Almaty is surrounded by mountains, which does not allow free air circulation. As a result, all accumulated emissions linger above the city like a dense blanket of smog.

Combined, these factors create a scene that, from a bird’s-eye view or from a mountain peak, resembles not a typical post-Soviet city but a dystopian landscape straight out of Blade Runner — or even something as ominous as Mordor.

Living in a Permanent Haze

Poor air quality is a serious health risk. Pollution is linked to the growth of respiratory diseases, allergies, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and increased chances of chronic diseases. The majority of Almaty citizens testify to a direct correlation between the state of the air and their health condition: frequent headaches, fatigue, nasal congestion, and similar complaints are mentioned. The most vulnerable among all are the elderly and children. People sensitive to such issues are even advised to wear respiratory masks daily – an unthinkable situation for a modern city.

As many residents say, “It’s like living inside a stove.” And they’re not far off. The smell of ash and burning, fog mixed with dust — all of this has become not an occasional occurrence but an everyday reality. Just as it’s become ordinary to start your morning by checking air-quality apps or, if you’re old-fashioned, just opening a window.

There is no doubt that the problem is sharp and does not go unnoticed by locals. Public frustration and outcry grow as rapidly as rising yeast, and one of the most visible trends is the desire to simply leave. People try to ease their lives in different ways — some stay indoors, some invest in air purifiers — but everyone agrees on one thing: the situation went beyond acceptable long ago. In 2024, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 in Almaty exceeded WHO standards by nearly five times.

Those who express the most concern are often people with above-average incomes, which correlates with higher education levels. Researchers are already calling the situation a “brain drain” since only the more affluent can afford to relocate. Most residents also agree that government initiatives are ineffective, reflecting a general sense of despair.

At the Edge of Hope — and Action

In Almaty, there are indeed several governmental and civic initiatives for the betterment of the situation; still, after years of ignoring this problem, trust has been eroded, leading to huge catastrophic declines in the well-being of the residents.

Reforms underway include increasing the stringency of vehicle inspections so that they reflect real-world emissions rather than pieces of paper, as well as improved air-quality monitoring. Changes to the regulatory framework are introducing mechanisms for more effective emissions control and more accurate tracking of sources of pollution.

Kazakhstan is also actively collaborating with the World Bank in designing and implementing programs that involve the modernisation and/or upgrading of heating systems, such as coal-fired boilers. This effort is meant to encourage residents of the private sector to use centralised or gas-based heating systems.

Naturally, civic initiatives also play a significant role. Their work is mainly oriented at the improvement of air-quality monitoring. Key players include projects like AAI (Almaty Air Initiative) and AUA (Almaty Urban Air).

AAI is currently the most active foundation, committed exclusively to the problem of air pollution in the city. It installs and maintains monitoring sensors, conducts research on public opinion, and organises events that unite volunteers and activists.

Meanwhile, AUA is a civic movement striving to draw the government’s attention to the crisis by demanding improved monitoring and protection of residents’ right to clean air.

It is also worth noting that major domestic companies participate in civic efforts as well — for example, Halyk Bank. In partnership with AAI, they finance home gasification, research, and awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

Today’s Almaty is a city of paradoxes. It is a home for millions who sincerely adore its mountains, its streets, its culture and its rhythm of life. But all of that seems to be hidden under a thick layer of smog – an uninvited companion that now follows each new day. People continue living, working, raising children, making plans — but they do so while every breath reminds them of the price they pay for years of inaction.

One can argue endlessly about who is to blame — cars, power plants, geography, or the lack of systemic solutions. But one thing is clear: the problem is no longer just “background noise.” It has seeped into everything — health, mood, plans for the future, and sometimes even the ability to remain in the city at all. No one dreams of living in an eternal haze of ash and smoke, no one wants to start their morning wondering, “Will I be able to breathe normally today?”

And yet, there is movement. Initiatives, research, sensor installations, gasification campaigns, and inspection reforms — all of this is forming a foundation upon which, perhaps someday, a truly livable Almaty could grow. Yes, trust has been broken. Yes, progress is slow. But what matters is that it has finally begun.

The post Smoking since the age of Zero first appeared on wbsdigital.

Having a hard time waking up during winters?

Here are some ways you can adapt an easy healthy winter routine :

1. Stay hydrated

Increase your water intake by consuming foods high in water, such as apples, celery, lettuce, and cucumber. Enjoy hot, nutritious beverages. If drinking cold water in the winter sounds unpleasant, consider healthier, warmer options (e.g., green tea, cinnamon tea.) Stay away from alcohol and coffee.

2. Keep yourself moving

Plan some time during the day to enjoy nature, if the conditions are right. Explore a safe park or neighbourhood by foot. Alternatively, think of watching an exercise class on TV, the internet, live on Zoom, or Instagram. You may find online fitness videos that are free or inexpensive to help you stretch, dance, do aerobics, and gain strength.

3. Good sleep routine

Never forget that obtaining more sleep during the winter is quite normal. You’ll gain these advantages and more if you simply maintain it between 7 and 10 hours every night:

• Defeat Illness
• Controlling appetite and weight can help fight the winter blues

4. Healthy diet plan

Many fruits, vegetables, and spices that are believed to aid in natural weight loss are abundant in the winter.
Winter foods like carrots, beets, cinnamon, fenugreek, and guava can help you lose weight and reduce belly fat if you include them in your daily diet An eating cycle known as intermittent fasting involves a fasting interval of roughly 16 to 24 hours. To experience some wonderful health benefits, it is more of a lifestyle choice than a diet plan. Intermittent fasting supporters frequently mention better weight management.

5. Practice Gratitude

Our moods and satisfaction levels can be impacted by the gloomy, chilly months. Numerous studies demonstrate that appreciating what you have, even something as basic as a hot shower, may be learned by intentionally connecting with something for which you are truly glad. Consequently, sentiments of contentment are fostered.

6. Meditate often

Meditation has numerous documented health advantages. Experts in mental health and meditation discuss the best ways to  use this tool to get through the long winter months. Although there are many methods worth trying, mindfulness meditation is highly advised for reducing anxious thoughts, enhancing mood, and managing stress. The best part is that you can apply this technique at any point during the day.

7. Make a good plan

While exercise is crucial, it’s as important to have realistic expectations for yourself. It’s tempting to take on too much during the hectic holiday season of winter and burn out. This is especially true when the days are shorter. We advise creating a training schedule for the upcoming months so you can estimate your time constraints and adjust your training accordingly. Once  you’ve created a sensible training schedule, follow it and don’t push yourself too hard. Illness can strike at that time!

8. Vitamin D3 intake

We don’t obtain as much vitamin D during the winter since there is less sunlight and the days are shorter. Consider adding a supplement to your diet of this essential vitamin to support the immune system’s regular operation.

9. Prepare your equipment for winters

Although it may be freezing outside, you will still perspire when exercising. However, it may be difficult to warm up because it is simple to become cold when you first begin. Go outside dressed in layers that you can take off as you go, including thick leggings, gloves, and hats, to avoid starting to shiver. Remember to be safe, too. It’s time to get out your high-visibility reflective gear or buy some with the cold weather’s gloomy mornings and dark evenings in mind to make sure you’re noticed by approaching pedestrians and vehicles.

10. Yoga

Ever sense how your muscles are more tense during the winter? The body contracts as a result of bundling up and hunching over to avoid the cold, which frequently results in shoulder and back pain. Similar to this, shorter days and colder weather can also have a detrimental impact on motivation, sleep, and other aspects of daily living. We advise using a winter yoga sequence that motivates you to regain heat in your body to help you process that experience. Combating the winter blues with these yoga poses There is always something to gain from leaning into your practise, from gently expanding the heart and hips to realigning you with your breath.

Hope this helps!

The post Easy 10 ways to keep yourself healthy this winter! first appeared on wbsdigital.

COP27 CLIMATE SUMMIT IN EGYPT DISCUSSES GLOBAL WARMING

You’d think most global attention right now would be on the closing talks of the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. Global warming is an ever more dangerous fact of our lives.

La Nina

Have a look at our new interactive on La Niña, for example, tracking how shifting wind and temperature patterns in the Pacific cause deadly havoc (floods, drought, fires) in many continents. This is a part of our package looking ahead to events and trends in the year ahead. It’s both strange and worrying to observe that La Niña, which is usually over within a year or at most two, will stretch into its third year in 2023.

QATAR|FIFA World Cup 2022

Should sports be excused for humanitarian violation?

Instead there will be more interest, I suspect, in a rival gathering in the Middle East. Yesterday the football FIFA World Cup 2022 kicked off in Qatar (and, for the first time, the host team lost the opening game). We haven’t joined in the global hand-wringing about an autocratic and illiberal place getting to host a sporting event. After all, remember that China hosted the winter Olympics earlier this year, and that Russia held the last World Cup. Unless the world wants the tournament to rotate between Finland, Norway and Sweden, it will be impossible to find blameless spots. 

Not so Thankful Thanksgiving. Courtesy, Elon Musk.

It’s a big week for birds. Friends in America will be tucking into turkeys as they celebrate Thanksgiving. I’ll miss being there: this was always my favourite day of the year, back when we lived in Chicago. (After all, what’s not to like as friends and family gather for a feast and good conversation?). Meanwhile there’ll be much tweeting of outrage as Elon Musk continues his seemingly bizarre efforts to remake Twitter. Some predict the social media company will close, or go bust soon. I doubt it, but Mr Musk is ruffling so many feathers he may have inflicted long-term harm. If you’re looking for an alternative place to tweet, we considered your options last week.

CRYPTIC CRYPTO

Are problems of cryptocurrency much real than crypto itself?

Talking of downfalls, there’s no doubt more to watch in the world of crypto. Our cover story last week assessed how the collapse of FTX has damaged the crypto scene. Real benefits from the blockchain no doubt still exist, but the prospects for digital currency have taken a painful dive. Have a read, too, of this fascinating piece about a related ethical movement, Effective Altruism. Much of EA was heavily funded by crypto donors—so the collapse of one is going to hurt the other.

Putin’s menace!

Finally, have a read today of our latest piece on Ukraine, as Vladimir Putin’s war drags on. We have a report on the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, which now sits dangerously close to the front line of fighting. Look, too, at our call last week for the West to redouble its support for Ukraine in defying Russian aggression. This is not the time to let up. 

The post Latest Happenings of the World 2022 first appeared on wbsdigital.