MINSK, 30 August (BelTA) – A set of documents on climate change adaptation will be passed in Belarus by 2023, Natalya Aleinikova, Head of the Office for Regulating the Impact on Atmospheric Air, Climate Change, and Expert Evaluation of the Belarusian Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry, told reporters, BelTA has learned.
These documents include national action plans to enhance the country's adaptive capacity to climate change, to increase absorption of greenhouse gases by carbon sinks and to adjust the forestry and agriculture sectors to climate change for the period of 2030. Another important document is the long-term national pathway to low carbon emission economy.
“All these documents will be passed by the end of 2022. However, there is a possibility that some other documents might be adopted as well,” Natalya Aleinikova said.
She recalled that on 21 September 2016 Belarus joined the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Under the Paris Agreement, Belarus set the target to cut its 1990 greenhouse-gas emissions level by at least 28% by 2030. There are plans to increase the use of renewable energy sources, electric transport and low-carbon or carbon-free technology. Since 2016 Belarus has been implementing the national action plan to promote green economy. The document serves as a platform for investment cooperation.
Natalya Aleinikova added that Belarus takes action to preserve and promote sustainable use of peatlands. “It is important to highlight this issue, as peatlands are the most powerful tool to reduce carbon emissions. Other measures (reduction of the use of fossil fuels or reforestation) are a way less efficient. Peatland restoration is a great contribution to climate,” the expert concluded.
