Lukashenko views climate change efforts as insufficient
The current efforts to combat climate change in the world insufficient, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview to AnewZ TV channel (the main partner of COP29 in Azerbaijan) on 11 November.
The Belarusian head of state was asked whether he considers the goal of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels achievable and whether the countries are doing enough for this.
"If we continue in the same vein, then the goal is unattainable. Nothing is changing for the better. On the contrary, it is getting worse and worse. High emitters are, unfortunately, not delivering on their commitments. There is no progress in this regard. Therefore, the question arises about the effectiveness of such measures. I believe that they are ineffective," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The journalist also asked Aleksandr Lukashenko's opinion on why the leaders of some Western countries refused to participate in the summit in Baku. "They think that everything will be fine and the climate will not change. They think that things will work out. They will not," the Belarusian leader stressed. “No need to be disappointed over their non-attendance. God sees all."
Within the framework of the Paris Agreement, countries agreed to substantially reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases so that the long-term increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. A number of studies suggest that in order to prevent the worst effects of climate change and keep the planet habitable, it is necessary to limit global warming as much as possible.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is paying a working visit to Azerbaijan on 11-12 November to attend the World Climate Summit 2024 (COP29).
The event is held under the auspices of the United Nations. The global forum will be attended by tens of thousands of delegates, including many heads of state and government.
In his speech, Aleksandr Lukashenko will outline Belarus’ position on the agenda issues related to climate change and measures to be taken by the international community to address the challenges arising in this area.
The UN Climate Change Conference, or the Climate Summit, has been held annually since 1995 and brings together the countries that are parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The previous summit was held at the end of last year in Dubai, the UAE with the participation of delegations from more than 150 countries.