MINSK, 11 December (BelTA) – Belarus is set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35% by 2030 over 1990, Belarus' Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Andrei Khudyk said at the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference in Madrid, Spain, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
Andrei Khudyk noted that the country is committed to sustainable development, which is impossible without solving the problem of climate change. These issues are singled out by the head of state and the government into a separate agenda. “Realizing the undeniable importance of climate action, Belarus has responded to the call to take on more commitments and intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35% by 2030 over 1990 using solely its own resources,” he said.
The priorities for the country include the transition to closed-loop economy, which implies promotion of sustainable urban mobility, construction of energy-efficient residential buildings, reducing the energy intensity of GDP, promoting low-carbon technologies and electric vehicles, the minister said. Great attention is paid to the conservation of wetlands, the development of specially protected natural areas.
“However, it must be acknowledged that the fulfillment of increased commitments by Belarus is not sufficient to deal with the consequences of climate change on a regional and global scale. There is a need to consolidate the efforts of all nations, to provide equitable technical and expert assistance to countries that are able to take the most effective action in the fight against climate change,” Andrei Khudyk said.
The 25th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP 25) is a key event aimed at working out the decisions to launch the Paris Agreement mechanisms. The main goal of the agreement is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. During the conference, the Belarusian delegation focuses on issues such as access to financial mechanisms and resources, national climate adaptation plans and requirements to report on them.
