Today, Environment and Regional Development Minister Juris Pūce (AP!) will participate in an online discussion of the OECD Ministerial Roundtable on the Green Recovery for Jobs, Income and Growth.
Juris Pūce (AP!): “THE COVID-19 pandemic has created huge challenges for the economy and employment. . We are facing a severe downturn, affecting both society and business and the public administration mechanism s. In planning recovery measures to exit the crisis and stimulate the economy, it is important to give consumers, investors and entrepreneurs the necessary signals to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, environmentally-friendly and climate-neutral future. . It's an opportunity that needs to be used.”
THE COVID-19 crisis has led to significant changes in population consumption patterns. . Increased popularity of online marketing, with environmental benefits but increased consumption of disposable packaging, particularly in the food segment, due to the need to comply with additional public health requirements I. Consumption of polystyrene and composite materials has increased in stores and goods supply. As some of the materials used are difficult or impossible to recycle in Latvia, it is expected that municipal waste disposed of in landfills will increase. .
Minister Pūce will highlight in the discussion of the OECD Round Table that the current situation poses challenges to the achievement of various materials recycling targets, so it should be assessed what initiatives and support measures are needed to stimulate recycling markets, taking into account the impact of low oil prices and the closure of refineries. . However, Latvia remains committed to the recycling targets and will continue its efforts to expand waste collection facilities.
The recently approved Circular Economy Action Plan contains a variety of measures to improve resource productivity in all areas of the economy and promote industrial symbiosis. . The Minister will point out that additional investments are also planned for the construction of biological waste management facilities, thereby promoting waste recycling.
Limiting climate change is one of Latvia's priorities and will be taken into account when drawing up plans for economic recovery. . As an example, the Minister will mention the planned measures for the development of the biomethane market in Latvia, addressing issues to reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution, extending the use of renewable energy, as well as seeking sustainable solutions for the management of sewage sludge.
When discussing the possibilities of a green recovery, the participants will also discuss what specific measures are being considered at national level in the OECD countries to ensure that the recovery is “green” and “inclusive” and help countries to move towards global environmental objectives. . The Round Table will also discuss priorities at national and international level to ensure that economic activities improve the resilience of the world economy, society and the environment in the future.
The discussion will also seek solutions to how governments can use recovery measures to better exploit private sources of sustainable finance and promote sustainable investment in infrastructure; what mechanisms and tools governments have put in place to assess the impact of environmentally friendly recovery measures on welfare and what outstanding gaps the OECD can address. .
Information:
Public Relations Department
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
Tel. 20200305; 67026533,
email: prese@varam.gov.lv