Air pollution remains one of Kathmandu’s most pressing public health and environmental challenges, particularly during winter when temperature inversion traps pollutants in the Valley. In this interview with Republica, Zhuldyz Saulebekova, CEO of the Almaty Air Initiative — a Central Asia-based clean air movement supported by inDrive — shares insights from Kazakhstan’s experience and discusses how data, technology and public-private collaboration can help cities like Kathmandu move toward long-term, system-level air quality reform.
Excerpts:
Kathmandu frequently experiences poor air quality, particularly during winter and certain seasons. From your experience, what proximal factors typically drive urban air pollution in rapidly growing cities?
I think there are two main things to highlight. First is geography, which amplifies winter pollution. Kathmandu is located in a valley, similar to Almaty. During winter, pollutants get trapped close to the ground due to temperature inversion and cannot disperse. That’s one major problem.
Second, of course, are the sources of air pollution. In many cities, including Kathmandu, a large proportion of pollutants come from household sources, growing industries, expanding transport systems, and the burning of fossil fuels. It’s a very complex problem. Population growth and ageing infrastructure also increase energy demand. All of this must be addressed as a complex system because there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Data shows that air pollution has significant health and economic impacts in Nepal. How can cities communicate these risks in a way that informs citizens and policymakers without creating unnecessary alarm?
Air pollution should not be a conversation that starts only during winter. Unfortunately, that’s something we’ve seen in our hometown as well. Air pollution is a year-round problem. Yes, it worsens in winter, but it doesn’t disappear.
There should be continuous awareness campaigns — not just when AQI levels rise. It’s also important to build clear connections between air quality and health. Air pollution is not just an environmental issue, and it’s not just a health issue either.
In Nepal, around 26,000 premature deaths are attributed to air pollution each year, with an economic cost of approximately $3 billion annually. It is one of the leading causes of death, including from diseases such as COPD.
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But beyond health, it’s also about attractiveness and competitiveness. Talent, capital, and innovation flow to healthier cities. If a city wants to remain competitive, it must improve air quality. So the cost is not only health-related — clean air can be a metric of national success.
You also serve as CEO of the Almaty Air Initiative, which places strong emphasis on real-time air quality monitoring that is accessible and transparent. How does this support public awareness and policymaking?
We were the first organization in Asia to install such a vast network of air monitoring stations — 170 sensors, with 30 more to go. Soon there will be 200 sensors installed across the city.
This serves several purposes. First, awareness. Air is invisible, and most people cannot see pollution. When we show real-time data and integrate it into popular platforms such as AirVisual or our own dashboard, people begin to see the problem. They check air quality in their homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. This makes the issue real.
Second, we build a strong expertise base and database that supports better policymaking. We use sensor data to understand pollution sources. We are currently working on advanced source apportionment modelling, using grounded scientific models with sensors as reference points.
We also publish state-of-the-sector reports and work closely with government officials to develop policies. We have already contributed to drafting atmospheric regulations for the city and are developing a comprehensive air quality strategy. Data helps us understand the problem, guide policy, and raise awareness.
How can technology help bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation within government systems?
We live in a world where AI and advanced technology are part of daily life. Why not use it to address air pollution? There is often a gap between environmental science and applied technology. Sensors, advanced modelling, AI — these tools can help predict pollution, inform citizens, and support evidence-based policies.
For example, we were the first organization in Central Asia to deploy AI-based sensors to track pollutants such as pollen and microplastics in real time. This makes information accessible and serves as an awareness tool.
Satellite data and AI can also help us understand how pollution moves — especially important in valley cities that experience temperature inversion. Understanding seasonal and geographical dynamics is crucial for effective intervention.
What early indicators should policymakers monitor to determine whether clean air interventions are delivering measurable results?
In the short term, you cannot immediately measure whether the air is clean. But you can track shifts. One indicator is changes in public awareness. We developed perception metrics to measure how citizens understand air pollution. We also track sensor data season by season to observe trends.
Another indicator is policy movement — when governments initiate new strategies, regulations, or legislation related to air quality. That shows the conversation is shifting from emotional debate to evidence-based policymaking.
What role can public-private collaboration play in advancing cleaner urban environments, particularly in developing economies?
Air pollution is one of the biggest challenges in developing countries. These countries cannot rely solely on international support, especially as global funding landscapes change. Local communities and locally led organizations must act. This is an important moment for Nepal. Clean air can become a visible metric of leadership and genuine reform. We aim to co-fund and co-partner initiatives locally, supported by our headquarters, but structured as long-term initiatives that do not depend indefinitely on foundation funding.
The Almaty Air Initiative is supported by inDrive. How can private-sector innovation strengthen city-level clean air efforts?
Governments are only part of the solution. They often respond to societal demand. Our role is to help create that demand by raising awareness. Private companies can provide financial support for research, sensors, and technology. They can empower local teams and build movements within cities. Rather than creating dependency on international organizations that may withdraw funding, we should build sustainable systems that last decades. Ten years from now, people will remember who helped clean Kathmandu’s air.
Mobility is an important contributor to emissions. How can partnerships between environmental experts and ride-hailing platforms contribute to sustainable urban planning?
Platforms can integrate air quality metrics into their apps so users see real-time data. Technology expertise can support remote sensing, fleet monitoring, and transition to cleaner energy sources. Ride-hailing companies can promote electric vehicles and support infrastructure for EV adoption. They can launch targeted programmes that accelerate the shift to cleaner mobility.
From your perspective, what distinguishes a short-term clean air project from a sustainable, system-level transformation?
There are no quick wins. If we launch an initiative today, the air will not become clean tomorrow. In the short term, we may see greater public awareness and stronger collaboration between scientists, citizens, and government. We may see governments adopting policies and standards. These are positive early indicators.
But long-term transformation requires strategic planning — not temporary measures used only during peak pollution seasons. Citizens need to see a 10-year vision, not short-term fixes.
There must be transparent discussions about pollution sources and what can realistically be achieved in the short and long term. Infrastructure change takes time. Transitioning industries, energy systems, and transport systems cannot happen overnight. Only governments can implement systemic infrastructure reforms, but success requires cooperation among science, society, and policymakers.
Can you tell us about the origins of your initiative, and how your experience in Kazakhstan shaped your approach to tackling urban air pollution globally?
Kazakhstan was our first experience in building this comprehensive model. We developed what we call a “playbook” — a structured approach to mobilizing society, science, and government toward clean air. Now we are expanding globally under a new brand: the Taza Initiative. Interestingly, in Kazakh, “taza” means clean, and in some South Asian languages it means fresh — a perfect coincidence.
Developing countries deserve clean air. We must stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. Change begins with awareness, public demand, government response, and collaboration. There are no quick solutions. It requires patience and long-term commitment. But clean air can become a powerful metric of national success.
