Riga, January 28, 2020 - Today the Cabinet approved the information report prepared by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, entitled “Latvia's strategy to achieve climate neutrality * by 2050”. The strategy is a long-term vision document that sets out the directions for achieving climate neutrality for Latvia by 2050.
Environment Protection and Regional Development Minister Juris Pūce (AP!): “Latvia is committed to reducing the negative impacts of climate change at both international and national levels and to moving towards climate neutrality. . In order to achieve climate change, it is necessary to set new ambitious targets for the development of environmentally friendly industries and to promote public consumption habits. a. However, we do not only face the constraints of the stated direction towards climate neutrality, but this decision also opens up ample opportunities for Latvia's economic growth. . The transition to a climate neutral economy will create new economic incentives and new jobs, particularly through the benefits of digital technologies s. This requires the involvement of responsible industries, a common approach and cooperation. "
Climate neutrality can be achieved by reducing greenhouse (GHG) emissions across all sectors of the economy as well as increasing CO2 removal **. In order to achieve this, two approaches are planned: the development of technological solutions and the development of social lifestyles. U. Developing technological solutions can directly reduce GHG emissions in energy, transport, agriculture, waste management and other sectors, and contribute to the creation of “green” innovations. Similarly, awareness-raising and greening of the tax system are essential in order to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions. U. The strategy covers all sectors of the economy and will therefore serve as a basis for the efforts contained in all sectoral planning documents to promote Latvia's progress towards climate neutrality.
The implementation of the policy to achieve climate neutrality is expected to have a positive impact on the Latvian economy, as well as the creation of a safe life for Latvian residents. . Transition to climate neutrality requires cooperation and sustainable solutions in many areas, including research, energy and energy efficiency, environmentally friendly transport, agriculture, production, urban development, etc. C. As the main benefits are the creation of new market sectors and jobs, as well as increased export capacity of Latvian companies, leading to higher value added products and services. . National energy security will also be promoted by reducing the dependency on fossil energy imports and switching to local renewable energy resources. m. There are also benefits for the health of citizens in improving air quality, particularly in urban areas.
A shorter-term planning document is also approved at today's BOM meeting, which is in line with the objectives of the strategy: the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030, developed by the Ministry of Economics in cooperation with the Ministries of Latvia and industry, with specific measures for energy efficiency, renewable energy, transport infrastructure, etc. in areas.
The information report “Latvia's strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050” is available on the Ministry's homepage.
*Climate neutrality is a situation where economic activity and consumption do not have a negative impact on climate. . Achieving climate neutrality is characterised by the balance of GHG, namely reducing all emissions and compensating for non-reduced emissions in plants (g. K. in forests) or underground capture and storage.
** Removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) means a process whereby photosynthesis results in organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water using light energy from organic substances as well as oxygen.
Information prepared by:
Public Relations Department
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
Tel. .20200305, 67026533
e-mail: prese@varam.gov.lv