United Nations Environment Assembly: presented news of Lithuania's achievements

The 6th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, will play a pivotal role in shaping international environmental policy and making significant environmental decisions. Themed "Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral action to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution", the event will convene environment ministers, scientists, and environmental activists from 176 countries.

The Assembly is anticipated to adopt a political declaration by ministers and deliberate on resolutions concerning environmentally relevant issues such as managing highly hazardous pesticides, chemicals, and waste; improving air quality; combating sand and dust storms; managing solar radiation; strengthening water policy; addressing land degradation; enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and communities to drought; and mitigating biodiversity loss.

On February 29th, Deputy Minister of the Environment Raminta Radavičienė delivered a presentation on Lithuania's key environmental achievements. "Lithuania is taking bold steps to fulfill its ambitious commitment to becoming climate neutral by 2050. Our country serves as a shining example, having successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 58 % since 1990, while simultaneously increasing gross domestic product by 85 %," stated the Vice-Minister.

According to Ms. Radavičienė, Lithuania's system of mandatory extended liability for packaging producers and the pollution taxes paid have resulted in 95 % of plastic bottles being collected and recycled through the producer-funded deposit return system. This efficient approach is significantly reducing waste in our country and combating environmental pollution.

She reminded the Assembly that Lithuania's strategic objectives include the growth of renewable energy, reduction of fossil fuel consumption, and promotion of innovative technologies across all economic sectors. "Currently, we derive over a quarter of our energy from renewable sources, and by 2050, we aim to increase this share to 80 %," Ms. Radavičienė added.

The United Nations Environment Assembly serves as the preeminent international environmental decision-making body, bringing together governments, the public, businesses, and other stakeholders not only to exchange environmental ideas but also to commit to concrete action.