The Estonian head of government says the climate crisis demands a global response. “We need to cut carbon emissions and boost renewable energy at the same time,” she said. “We must triple renewable energy globally by 2030 and improve energy efficiency while phasing out fossil fuels. We need both an ambitious outcome to negotiations here in Dubai as well as specific pledges from countries to strengthen their national targets.”
As such, Prime Minister Kallas called on other heads of state and government to act, explaining what Estonia is doing to achieve climate neutrality. “We are already acting, placing the climate at the centre of everything we do,” she noted. “Our message is that the economy must fit into environmental boundaries. A smaller environmental footprint is a competitive advantage. In Estonia we are talking about a twin transition – both green and digital. Modern technology is enabling us to align our society, economy and mindset with a sustainable future. We want to set an example to others in our implementation of the green transition. This year, our digital and green companies are sharing their experience in our first ever national pavilion here at COP.”
The head of government added that Estonia has adopted a renewable electricity target of 100% by 2030. “We are more than tripling our level of renewables production,” she explained. “We plan to reduce emissions by 80% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. This is a bold ambition, since until very recently our energy production was dominated by fossil fuels. But bold ambition is necessary, especially now as we take stock of the implementation of the Paris Agreement for the first time.”
Prime Minister Kallas also remarked that developed countries will support developing nations in coping with the impact of climate change and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. This year will hopefully see the climate fund established by developed countries reach the agreed annual level of 100 billion dollars. Estonia has pledged one million euros to the Green Climate Fund and equal contributions of 50,000 euros to the UNFCCC Trust Fund for Supplementary Activities and the new Loss and Damage Fund to help developing nations reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change.
Prime Minister Kallas also spoke about the impact of conflicts on climate change. “Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has a clear impact on the environment and global food security,” she said. “In blowing up the Kakhovka dam and endangering the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, Russia has shown the world that ecocide and destruction of the environment are tools of its warfare. Moreover, with its acts of aggression Russia is drawing attention and resources away from dealing with the climate crisis. As such, bringing to an end its cycle of aggression is also needed from the point of view of resolving the climate crisis.”
Concluding her statement, Prime Minister Kallas highlighted the key role played by young people. “The next generation are our future,” she said. “For that reason it is vital that we involve them in resolving the climate crisis and shaping climate policy. I am delighted that we have been accompanied here to Dubai by our youth climate delegate.”
Gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB56ri / UN
Full text of statement (in English): https://valitsus.ee/en/news/national-statement-estonian-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-cop28
