MINSK, 18 October (BelTA) - Climate issues will be given special attention in the new UNDP country program in Belarus for 2021-2025, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Alexandra Solovieva said as she addressed the roundtable “Belarus and global climate change”, BelTA learned from the organization's press service.
“In its work, UNDP in Belarus draws on the experience of climate projects and current support for national contributions in more than 140 countries. Climate issues will continue to occupy a significant place in the new UNDP country program in Belarus, which is being developed jointly with national partners for the period of 2021-2025,” Alexandra Solovieva said.
The participants of the roundtable discussed the results of the summit on climate change and the youth climate summit, the commitments undertaken by Belarus and the impact of climate change on Belarus. Experts announced measures to implement the Paris climate agreement, adapt and combat the climate change, including drafting a law to protect and use peatlands, and discussed the prospects for the development of wind power in Belarus and the implementation of the EU4Climate initiative in Belarus.
The UN Development Programme and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change have jointly published a new report with a detailed analysis of the situation. According to the report, nearly half of the world's population - 75 countries, which account for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions, plan to take more action to combat climate change than previously pledged. At the same time, 14 countries indicated that they did not plan to adjust their commitments, and 71 countries had not yet taken a decision.
During the climate summit, Belarus sent a statement to the UN secretariat, informing that it shall reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 35% by 2030 over 1990. “In the future, all our climate actions must be coordinated. The Paris Agreement suggests involving technologies, financial mechanisms and trade. Other ministries should join us, as it becomes difficult for the Ministry of Natural Resources to influence the processes that should be placed on the frontburner,” said Nadezhda Zdanevich, deputy head of the department of atmospheric air impact regulation, climate change and examination at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus.
“Here at the country level, we will work closely with our key partners: government, scientific community, business, and media. With the support of our development partners, including the European Union and the Global Environment Facility, we have already raised about $7 million to adapt the country to climate change and minimize emissions,” Alexandra Solovieva noted.
The roundtable focused on the role and potential of young people in promoting the zero-carbon society ideas.
