GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION

There is no country in the world that has not personally experienced the severe impacts of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and are currently 50% higher than in 1990. Eastern Europe and Central Asia are not major producers of greenhouse gases, but they are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. The floods in the Western Balkans have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced people. Shrinking glaciers and dwindling water resources in Central Asia could severely affect irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Moldova and southern Ukraine are experiencing severe drought, leading to significant agricultural losses. People across the region are mobilizing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save lives, and help communities recover. Croatia’s capital has pledged to become a zero-carbon city by 2050. Unprecedented steps are being taken in Belarus to safely store carbon underground in its peatlands. Georgia has already developed early warning systems and improved protection against flood disasters. Global warming is seriously affecting people’s lives. We must take action immediately.