In the context of a full-scale war, the current goal of reducing emissions by 68-73% by 2035 from 1990 levels, as set out in Ukraine's draft Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC2) to the Paris Agreement, may be quite ambitious.
This opinion was expressed by members of the European Business Association (EBA).
The industrialists noted that despite the difficult conditions of a full-scale war, economic instability, and the destruction of industrial infrastructure, domestic enterprises continue to implement decarbonization measures. At the same time, they drew the attention of officials to the need to adapt Ukraine's climate commitments to the realities of our country.
To substantiate their position, the EBA cited the following figures:
- according to the Kyiv School of Economics, as of this year, the losses of domestic industry, construction and services amounted to $14.4 billion;
- more than 500 enterprises were destroyed or damaged;
- according to research, greenhouse gas emissions related to the war reached 230 million tons of CO₂ equivalent over the 3 years of full-scale war. Last year, they increased by 30% compared to 2023.
"With a significant number of companies having lost production capacity or suspended operations, the main burden of implementing climate solutions falls on companies that continue to operate. In such circumstances, companies face limited opportunities to invest in decarbonization without additional external support," the EBA explained.
Based on the current state of affairs, business representatives suggested considering adjusting the NDC2 to take into account the realities of wartime and the economic challenges faced by enterprises. Industrialists suggested that it would be advisable to provide a mechanism for adjusting the climate target, for example, 3 years after the end of martial law.
“Such an approach will help to strike a balance between Ukraine's international obligations and its economic capabilities,” they believe.
Therefore, the EBA has sent letters with relevant proposals to the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, and the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management.
As EcoPolitic recently reported, Ukraine has prepared its Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC2) to the Paris Agreement, which envisages a 68-73% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
