PM: Ukraine sets itself large-scale goals to combat climate change

“The Head of Government pointed out the importance of strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the United States and expressed hope that it would also include cooperation in curbing climate change,” the Government portal informs.

The PM stressed that Ukraine had set itself large-scale goals to combat climate change.

"Ukraine is responsible declaring its climate goal. As part of the development of Ukraine’s second Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, the ministries, business, and the public engage in active discussions as we are striving to make a commitment that is ambitious but also realistic and achievable," the Prime Minister said.

According to him, achieving climate neutrality requires simultaneous projects in infrastructure, education, landscaping, waste management, etc. He added that Ukraine was ready to work with the United States on various projects related to climate change and the development of a green economy based on new technologies.

In addition, Shmyhal and Kerry raised the issues of energy security. The Head of Government noted that dozens of coal mines had already been closed in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories avoiding environmental procedures, which threatened the security of the region. He stressed that some facilities had a risk of radiation-contaminated water entering the drinking water horizons and through the river system into the Sea of Azov.

"IAEA experts need to be sent to inspect this area. Such an observation mission is a contribution to the security of the region. After all, there were almost 1,200 sources of ionizing radiation in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Shmyhal said.

At the same time, he noted that a new economy based on climate neutrality could be created in eastern Ukraine.

"This area is rich in raw materials, qualified personnel. A cluster of modern productions can be created there. The Government is already developing a strategy aimed at creating special incentives for investors," the Prime Minister stressed, adding that U.S. participation in these projects could set an example for the world.

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