IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND TRANSPORT DENSITY ON THE AIR QUALITY OF ALMATY METROPOLIS

Аннотация

This study investigates the combined impact of climate change and transport density on air quality in the Almaty metropolitan area. Due to its location in a mountainous basin, Almaty experiences a continental climate characterized by limited air circulation and frequent temperature inversions, which hinder the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants. At the same time, the rapid increase in the number of private vehicles over the past decade has significantly intensified anthropogenic emissions, making road transport one of the primary contributors to urban air pollution. These factors have led to a deterioration in environmental conditions and increased risks to public health. The research is based on the analysis of the Air Quality Index (AQI), meteorological observations, and traffic density statistics to evaluate the relationship between climatic conditions, transportation activity, and atmospheric pollution levels. Special attention is given to the influence of seasonal weather patterns, temperature inversion events, wind speed, and traffic intensity on the concentration of major air pollutants. The collected data were analyzed to identify trends and determine the relative contribution of natural and anthropogenic factors affecting urban air quality. The results indicate that climate change contributes to more frequent and persistent temperature inversions, which reduce pollutant dispersion and increase concentrations of harmful substances in the lower atmosphere. Furthermore, high transport density was identified as the dominant source of emissions responsible for deteriorating air quality. Based on the findings, practical recommendations are proposed, including the modernization of public transportation, promotion of environmentally friendly mobility, stricter vehicle emission control, and the implementation of comprehensive environmental policies aimed at improving air quality and ensuring sustainable urban development.