In her speech, Kallas said that the European Union has proved that it is possible to move towards climate neutrality without sacrificing economic growth. “We share a deep concern for our people who struggle with the combined effects of climate change, COVID-19, economic difficulties, and in far too many cases – real threat to life. Yet, I believe, we are hopeful. I am very proud that the European Union has adopted an ambitious climate law and is determined to make the green transition sustainable and just,” said the Estonian Prime Minister.
This year, Estonia allocated 1.5 million euros to international climate change collaboration, in addition to development co-operation funds. According to Kallas, the desire of Estonia to help others implement changes arises from, among other things, the fact that our journey has not been easy, either. “Estonia had a very difficult starting position, being almost completely dependent on energy from our national fossil fuel – oil shale. We have already reduced our emissions by around 70%. Green transition is a reality in Estonia,” said Kallas.
She added that Estonia aims to stop the production of electricity from oil shale by 2035 and phase out oil shale-based energy entirely by 2040. “We have been helped by the collective political will of the EU, its carbon market, and its support schemes. But the change is driven and implemented by the Estonian people, their openness to reforms, their digital skills and a vision for the future,” emphasised the Estonian Prime Minister.
Speaking about digital skills, Kallas highlighted the new initiative of Estonia within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – “Data for the Environment Alliance” or DEAL. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will take part in its presentation. She called on everyone to join this global initiative to improve data management capacity worldwide.
The UN Climate Change Conference will take place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November. It aims to accelerate progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and to make additional contributions to the Green Climate Fund. Prior to the conference, Estonia joined in a public call for G20 members to show solidarity with those who need it most, fulfilling their promise to allocate 100 billion dollars annually to developing countries to combat climate change.
Full text of the speech of Kaja Kallas: https://www.valitsus.ee/en/news/national-statement-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-estonia-november-1-2021-glasgow-cop26
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX4inyb
