Kazakhstan and the Paris Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, sets out a global framework to combat climate change by limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. It aims to achieve this through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the mobilization of finance and technology to support sustainable development.
As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Kazakhstan has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 15% below 1990 levels by 2020 and by 25% to 30% below 1990 levels by 2030. This is a significant commitment given that Kazakhstan is one of the world`s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, due in large part to its oil and gas production.
To meet its Paris Agreement commitments, Kazakhstan has implemented a number of policies and measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. These include the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and conservation, and the promotion of low-carbon transportation.
In addition, Kazakhstan has launched a number of national programs to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement. These include the “Green Bridge” initiative, which aims to promote sustainable development and green growth through the development of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, and the “Green Economy” program, which aims to reduce the carbon intensity of the economy and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
Kazakhstan has also taken steps to promote international cooperation on climate change, including the establishment of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, which aims to promote regional economic growth and development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite these efforts, Kazakhstan still faces significant challenges in meeting its Paris Agreement commitments. These include the need to reduce emissions from the oil and gas sector, which remains a major contributor to the country`s greenhouse gas emissions, and the need to strengthen its capacity for climate change adaptation.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan`s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are an important step toward addressing climate change on a global scale. However, more work needs to be done to ensure that Kazakhstan can meet its Paris Agreement commitments and contribute to a sustainable future for all.