The updated environmental targets and the path to climate neutrality have been formally enshrined in Ukraine’s Long-Term Strategy for Low-Carbon Development up to 2050. The Cabinet of Ministers approved this document on 10 June at a meeting dedicated to environmental protection issues.
This was reported by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.
The country plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with interim measures to be implemented by 2035. Environmental efforts have been adjusted to take into account the needs of post-war reconstruction, the requirements of Ukraine’s European integration and the overall environmental transformation of the economy.
Key outcomes
The Ukrainian decarbonisation strategy sets out a number of clear and measurable targets:
- GDP is to increase by an additional 2.1% by 2035;
- energy intensity of the economy is to be reduced by more than half;
- distributed generation is expected to add at least 4 GW of capacity.
The document also provides for the development of new economic sectors. In particular, it covers “green” energy and climate initiatives-such as hydrogen and biomethane production, and carbon dioxide capture and storage.
Planned support is also envisioned for the economic transformation of regions. Overall, the strategy anticipates the creation of domestic investment resources to enhance energy efficiency and modernize production processes.
Furthermore, the “green” economy is expected to create new jobs.
Both economy and ecology
The strategy combines both priorities. Industrial transformation is to adapt Ukraine to European climate standards, which in turn will provide access to international financial instruments and investment in general.
At the same time, government officials expect that implementation of the strategy’s measures will contribute to:
- a reduction in CO2 emissions;
- development of resilient energy communities;
- an increase in the country’s economic competitiveness.
“This is an important signal for business and international partners. Ukraine is steadily moving toward climate neutrality, creating conditions for investment, technological modernization, and sustainable economic development,” emphasized Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
EcoPolitic previously prepared a review of key documents that are to form the foundation of Ukraine’s future climate policy.
