Zhuldyz Saulebekova is the CEO of the Almaty Air Initiative, a data-driven organization founded in Kazakhstan three years ago by Arsen Tomsky, co-founder of inDrive. The initiative aims to combat air pollution by bridging society, science, and government. Shreya Shrestha of ApEx spoke with Saulebekova about the challenges of urban air quality, the role of technological innovation, and the importance of collaborative solutions in building cleaner cities.
Kathmandu frequently experiences poor air quality, particularly during certain seasons. From your experience, what structural factors typically drive urban air pollution in rapidly growing cities?
If we compare the cities, there are two main structural factors. The first is geography which creates temperature inversions during winter. This traps polluted air close to the ground and prevents it from dispersing. We cannot change geography, so this is a natural constraint cities must work with.
The second factor is emissions. During winter, when pollutants remain close to the surface, the impact becomes more severe. In rapidly growing cities, pollution usually comes from multiple sources—residential heating and biomass burning, transport, expanding industries, and urban development. There is rarely just one source. That is why it is important to identify the top two or three major contributors rather than trying to address everything at once. To do that, we need reliable data, technical expertise, and proper modeling. Using modern technology and AI, we can measure pollution more precisely, analyze how it changes depending on wind or temperature, and better understand what is actually driving severe air quality episodes.
How can technology help bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation within government systems?
Environmental discussions are often seen as traditional or “old-school.” But we now live in a world where AI and advanced technology are part of everyday life. It makes sense to apply these tools to protect the air we breathe. Technology helps in several ways. First, we can deploy sensor networks and use satellite data combined with AI algorithms to monitor pollution in real time. We can track how particles move and even predict pollution levels under certain weather conditions.
Second, technology helps with communication. Air quality data can be integrated into everyday digital platforms, including mobility apps. Social media can also play an important role in raising awareness. When people understand the health risks and see the data themselves, air pollution stops being a seasonal topic and becomes a year-round concern. Technology helps turn research into practical tools that both citizens and policymakers can use.
AAI is supported by inDrive, which operates in multiple urban markets. How can private-sector innovation and operational expertise strengthen city-level clean air initiatives?
We do not operate like a traditional environmental NGO. We function more like an environmental technology startup. We test solutions, adapt them, and use the technical expertise available to us. In Almaty, we deployed 170 privately owned air quality sensors—the largest such network in Asia. Our engineers use AI and atmospheric modeling to analyze how pollution behaves depending on wind speed, temperature, rainfall, and seasonal patterns. Understanding where pollution comes from is the starting point for better policy.
Private-sector expertise allows us to move quickly, experiment, and provide technical depth. We also use digital tools and social media campaigns to support public understanding of reforms. Some regulations can face resistance, especially if people do not understand why they are necessary. Historically, many public regulations were unpopular at first—seatbelt laws or smoking bans, for example. But over time, they became widely accepted because they protected public health. Clean air policies follow a similar path.
AAI places strong emphasis on real-time air quality monitoring. Why is accessible and transparent data essential for shaping effective public awareness and policy decisions?
People have the right to know what they breathe. Air is invisible, so it is important to make it visible through data. When citizens can check dashboards or applications and see pollution levels in their own neighborhoods—around their homes, offices, or their children’s schools, it becomes personal. That awareness builds public support.
At the same time, data provides evidence for government officials. Policymaking cannot be based on personal feelings; it requires measurable facts. We provide reports, analytics, and workshops to support evidence-based discussions. In Kazakhstan, we conducted in-depth sessions with officials and shared research and modeling results to help close data gaps.
Some people say sensors do not clean the air. That is true. But they are a starting point. If you want to improve something, you first need to measure it. Monitoring allows us to track progress and evaluate whether policies are working. Nepal is at an important moment. Young people are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability. Clean air can become one of the most visible signs of leadership that prioritizes public well-being.
Mobility is an important component of urban emissions. How can partnerships between environmental expert centers and mobility platforms contribute to more data-informed and sustainable urban planning?
Digital platforms collect large amounts of operational data. That data can generate insights for better urban planning and evidence-based policy. Mobility companies have strong technical expertise and resources. They can support advanced modeling, satellite data analysis, and source identification. They can also integrate air quality information into their applications to increase public awareness.
Businesses should not view cities only as markets. They can also act responsibly and contribute to cleaner transport solutions, electric vehicle transitions, and broader environmental initiatives. Air pollution is not solely a government issue. It requires collaboration between experts, businesses, policymakers, and society. Only through shared responsibility can sustainable solutions be developed.
