ABSTRACT
The current state of the environment in Kazakhstan is extremely unsafe. The natural environment of the Caspian region is under considerable pressure from human activity. The concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and sulphurous gases are several times higher than the acceptable level, especially near the Tengiz oilfield. In the south and south-east of Kazakhstan, there are a number of non-ferrous metallurgy plants. The copper-smelting factories of Dzhezkazgan, Balkhash and Ust-Kamenogorsk pollute the atmosphere with emissions of sulphur, carbon oxides and particulates. Kazakhstan's water system gives cause for particular concern. The old Aral Sea is no more: its surface area has been reduced by nearly half. The former capital city is no exception to this pattern of environmental degradation. Nature has the capacity to clean itself naturally; this self-cleansing continues throughout the year, but is most intensive in the warmer part of the year.
