The United Nations Country Team issued a written statement on the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated on the 5th of June. It called for bold and practical steps to preserve fragile ecosystems and protect people and the planet against the adverse effects of Climate Change.
“As we celebrate World Environment Day – the flagship day for the United Nations to promote worldwide awareness and action on the environment – the UN family in Georgia joins forces to call for bold and practical steps aimed at protecting fragile ecosystems, and people and planet from the adverse impacts of climate change.
The United Nations General Assembly declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Reconstruction. This theme emphasizes the urgency to take action to address the multiple harms caused to the natural environment by human activity.
“It serves as a constant reminder that our well-being, economic development, and social progress all depend on the critical services provided by ecosystems such as oxygen and water.
“By restoring ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, protecting the environment, and introducing sustainable resource management, we are able to save the planet for the future generations, and ensure sustainable, long-term economic development that does not destroy the natural habitat.
“These issues will also be discussed at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, 1-12 November 2021. All countries, including Georgia will present their vision for a greener, more sustainable future.
“Georgia took important steps to fulfill its climate commitments under the EU Association Agreement (EUAA), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, and EU Energy Community Membership. It has pledged to implement eco-friendly principles for sustainable development, while transitioning into the green economy and finding new, innovative solutions to low-emission investment. Georgia is moving forward on this path as climate policies, strategies and related laws are being developed, adopted and implemented. Georgia, as part of nature-based climate solutions, is making progress on the ban of harmful plastics, has increased its protected areas to conserve its unique biodiversity, and has pledged unconditionally to reduce national Green House Gas emissions by 35 percent under its 1990 baseline by the year 2030.
“Georgia faces significant challenges in terms of the environment, both from direct human activity as well as global climate change.
“To reduce the impact of climate changes by limiting global temperatures to 1.5degC we must decarbonize fossil-fuel-based energy systems and cut anthropogenic emissions by at least 45 percent by 2030, compared to 2010 levels. To achieve this, it would be necessary to make rapid, far-reaching, and unprecedented changes across all sectors. This would include: developing low carbon supply and values chain models, restoring ecosystems, introducing adaptive measures to reduce the risk of climate-driven catastrophes, and using climate information in forecasting and early warning system.
“We are confident Georgia will continue to address climate change and protect the environment. Climate-sensitive policies will be implemented to match its long-term commitments for sustainable environmental management and disaster-risk reduction.
The statement reads: “Underscoring our shared commitment to a post-pandemic low-carbon, cleaner and healthier future, we pledge to support the Government, Civil Society and other partners to expand access to green solutions, and make environmental issues an integral part to the development. This will help us achieve the UNFCCC Paris Agreement targets and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.”
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