The Head of the KR Delegation Speaks at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the Climate Convention
The head of the Kyrgyzstan delegation, the director of the State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry, Sabir Atadzhanov, participated in the ministerial negotiations. We present to you the full text of his speech.
Speech
By the Head of the Delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic,
Director of the State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic
S.S. Atadzhanov:
Today, the problem of climate change has become an unprecedented challenge to the sustainable development of humanity and our planet. We are witnessing how global change and climate variability lead to an increase in the number of emergencies, the destruction of unique ecosystems, and a shortage of water resources, undermining energy, food, and environmental security. Unfortunately, these negative consequences have also affected our small, landlocked mountainous country. We find ourselves particularly vulnerable to this global process. The rapid melting of our glaciers is a particular concern. According to various forecasts, by 2025, the area of glaciation in Kyrgyzstan may decrease by an average of 30-40%, resulting in a projected reduction in river flow by 25-35%.
In this regard, Kyrgyzstan fully supports international collective efforts to address the problem of climate change. We advocate for the conclusion of a new climate agreement in Paris that should be long-term and legally binding for all Parties to the Convention. At the same time, we believe that the common goal of the agreement should be to reach an agreement to stop the rise in global temperature at a level of up to 2 degrees and then continue its gradual reduction.
Without taking measures, the increase in temperature will cause shifts in climate zones and changes in the habitats of vulnerable mountain ecosystems. According to some estimates, the pace of such shifts will outpace the adaptive capacity of flora and fauna to changes, threatening the preservation of biodiversity in our country. One of the threats in this area is the disappearance in Kyrgyzstan of such a unique species of wildlife as the snow leopard.
Mr. Chairman,
For our part, Kyrgyzstan is taking and is ready to continue taking additional measures to fulfill the climate convention.
We have outlined our approaches in the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, in which we defined the trajectory of a long-term vision for national measures to prevent climate change and enhance climate resilience. The document contains measures for adaptation, mitigation, and information on necessary financing.
The target indicator for adaptation is the reduction of losses from the adverse impact of climate change on the population, economy, and environment.
We have also identified a list of actions that will ensure the reduction of emissions to a target level that prevents the rise in global temperature by more than two degrees Celsius.
We are consistently implementing the principles of a "green" economy, and in this regard, we strive to maximize the use of our hydropower potential to generate clean electricity and other types of renewable energy sources. We also consider sustainable land use as a necessary measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and enhance the ecosystem approach to adaptation.
Our contribution also includes an estimate of the necessary financing to support climate actions, both from the country's own resources and from the international community. We believe that for all countries, this is a very important and necessary action to determine the true volumes of required support from developed countries and to ensure the transparency of aid distribution to developing countries. We all know about the goal of achieving financing of up to $100 billion by 2020. We hope that in the very near future, the truly necessary volumes of financing and mechanisms for its adequate distribution will be fully defined.
In conclusion of my speech, I would like to note that for thousands of years, the Kyrgyz people have cherished their rich natural heritage, preserving it for future generations. We intend to continue this tradition and make every effort at the national level to prevent the rise in global temperature.
We also call on all countries for comprehensive international cooperation to address the global problem of climate change and to preserve planet Earth as we received it from our ancestors.
