Climate change is not an abstract challenge, but a reality that the country is facing through increasingly frequent floods, droughts and fires, and therefore strategic action in this area is a matter of responsibility, it was said at the presentation of the final draft of the Strategy for Low-Carbon Development of Montenegro until 2050.
The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development (MERS) announced that this document represents one of the most important pillars of climate and development policy in the coming decades and that it is being prepared in cooperation with partners from the World Bank.
The Director General of the Directorate for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at MERS, Ivana Grujić, said that climate change is not an abstract challenge for Montenegro.
"They are already a reality that we face today through increasingly frequent floods, droughts, forest fires and heat waves, with direct consequences for our natural resources, economy and quality of life of citizens," said Grujić at the presentation of the final draft of the Low-Carbon Development Strategy.
She said that this is precisely why long-term and strategic action in this area is not a matter of choice, but of responsibility.
The Low-Carbon Development Strategy, according to Grujić, sets a clear and credible path towards achieving the long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2050, in accordance with the Climate Change Law and international obligations that Montenegro has undertaken.
"At the same time, it represents a logical and ambitious continuation of the National Energy and Climate Plan, expanding our vision to the period until 2050," said Grujić.
This document, she added, is based on detailed sectoral analyses and clearly defined policies and measures in all important areas, from energy, transport, industry, to agriculture, waste and forestry.
The statement states that the special significance of the Strategy is reflected in its most ambitious scenario, which envisages the decarbonization of the energy system, strong electrification of transport and industry, improvement of energy efficiency and valorization of natural carbon sinks, while preserving the ecological balance.
Grujić emphasized that the Strategy clearly shows that the climate transition is not an obstacle to development, but rather an opportunity for it.
"Investments in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and innovative technologies can contribute to strengthening energy security, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, developing a green economy and creating new jobs," said Grujić.
She pointed out that, at the same time, such a transformation strengthens the resilience of the economy and society to future climate and economic shocks.
Grujić added that the process of developing the Strategy was inclusive and transparent, based on open dialogue and constructive cooperation.
She thanked everyone who, through their knowledge, experience and dedication, contributed to the development of the document and its quality, especially the World Bank for its strong expert and financial support within the Partnership for the Implementation of Market Mechanisms.
As Grujić said, the adoption of the Strategy is not the end, but the beginning of a demanding but necessary process.
"Its successful implementation requires strong cross-sectoral cooperation, policy continuity and active participation of all relevant stakeholders. The Ministry will have a clear coordinating and leading role in this process, with strong partnership with other institutions and the international community," Grujić stated.
Bonus video:
