The implementation of the project "Preparation of the Seventh National Communication on the Implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Third Biennial Report of the Republic of Belarus" has begun, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) office in Belarus informed the Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA).
The project will contribute to strengthening the national capacity for Belarus to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement on climate. Its implementation will allow for better consideration of climate aspects in the development of national and sectoral strategies and programs in energy, industry, construction, and agriculture.
The first seminar of the new project was held in Minsk. "This project should show further ways to improve our legislation. This will positively affect the fight against climate change. I hope that international consultants who will be involved in this project will make a certain contribution so that we can more concretely and consistently define strategic development directions," said Alexander Korbut, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus.
The UNDP office in Belarus noted that climate change is causing concern for the global community more than ever before. The climate is changing much faster than expected. In 2018, greenhouse gas emissions reached a record level. According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2019 is expected to be among the five warmest years on record. As a result of rapid climate change, the number of natural disasters is increasing, which have claimed about 1.3 million lives and cost the global economy $3 trillion over the past 10 years. In this regard, there is a growing awareness of the need to move towards more decisive and ambitious steps to urgently address climate change issues.
In accordance with the Paris Agreement on climate, countries have developed national climate action plans. In particular, Belarus has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030. "This has proven insufficient to limit climate change to below 2 degrees Celsius," noted Alexandra Solovyova, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus. "It is necessary to strengthen national strategies by creating new partnerships, including with the private sector, and increasing investment in the green economy and renewable energy."