One of the most important and most discussed issues of the agenda of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which took place on July 21, in recent months, is the topic of Ukraine’s renewed national contribution to the Paris Agreement.
According to the proposal of the developer of the draft government document (Ministry of Environment), the updated target of Ukraine should provide for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 65% in 2030 from the level of 1990.
In its updated contribution submitted in December 2020, the EU set a target of achieving 45% emissions by 2030 from 1990 levels, ie a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions.
It will be recalled that Ukraine’s previous goal was similar to the EU’s goal – to achieve by 2030 a level of emissions of 60% of 1990 levels.
According to the proposal of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Ukraine should undertake more ambitious commitments than the EU countries. However, the project does not provide specific mechanisms for attracting additional funds to achieve this goal in Ukraine.
In addition, the nationally determined contributions of many countries, such as our direct trading competitor for the EU market in Turkey, do not provide for a reduction in emissions compared to previous years, but only indicate a reduction in emissions compared to the BAU (Business as Usual) scenario.
Thus, while each country defends its own economic interests, it is proposed to surpass the ambitions and achievements of industrialized Europe. Setting such a goal (reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% in 2030 from 1990 levels) threatens the development of industry and the economy, GDP growth and improved life in Ukraine.
Pozhmashina, like all Ukrainian business, is more than anyone interested in eco-modernization of production. After all, industrialists are well aware of global trends in terms of climate neutrality and the fact that, in particular, the carbon footprint will have to pay.
But the speed of movement towards this goal has certain limitations, because it must be balanced with the capabilities of the state and business.
Therefore, we welcome yesterday’s decision of the Government to send for revision the draft Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On approval of the Renewed nationally determined contribution of Ukraine to the Paris Agreement.”
The Federation of Employers of Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its position on this issue, supported by calculations.
The impact on the environment should not lead to the loss of jobs at Ukrainian enterprises. This is exactly what can happen if the goals of the Ukrainian government are too ambitious. We cannot allow other developing countries to make additional CO2 emissions at the expense of the well-being of the Ukrainian people.
All countries of the world, both developed and developing, proclaim economic and social goals, and already on their basis make decisions on reducing CO2 emissions.
The government has made a well-considered decision to finalize its proposal for climate change.
We hope that his position will be consistent and will provide an opportunity to defend national interests, protect Ukraine’s industry and economy as a whole.
