Opinion: Belarus can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2030 over 1990

MINSK, 23 September (BelTA) - Belarus can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2030 over 1990, UN/EU climate change expert Aleksandr Grebenkov told a press conference in Minsk on 23 September, BelTA has learned.

In accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, countries have developed national plans to fight climate change. Belarus has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030 (over 1990). In accordance with the agreement, Belarus will present its second nationally defined contribution, containing even more ambitious commitments, by February 2020.

“In recent years, there has seen a downward trend in emissions in Belarus, and it is already clear that Belarus is on track to fulfill its obligation to cut them down by 28%. The country is looking at a higher figure, say 29-30%. According to our latest forecast of greenhouse gas emissions, taking into account the development of the economy, measures taken, plans, and programs, we think Belarus can cut emissions by 33% compared with 1990,” Aleksandr Grebenkov noted.

According to him, despite the efforts of the countries participating in the Paris Climate Agreement, emissions has been growing globally over the past 10 years. The climate is changing much faster than anticipated. In this regard, there is a growing awareness of the need to move to more decisive and ambitious measures and urgently address the climate change issues.

The UN Summit on Climate Change opens in New York on 23 September. It will bring together world leaders, members of governments, representatives of the financial and business communities and the media. The summit will discuss the fight against global warming.