How important are "green projects" for the environment?
2025-01-20 11:00:00 / News
Under this initiative, special attention will be given to the efficient use of water and raw materials, improvement of air and soil quality, sustainable agriculture and forestry, ecotourism, environmentally friendly transport, green buildings, renewable energy sources and enhanced energy efficiency.
Implementation in practice
Starting in 2025, the proposal requires that 10 percent of investment programs for new projects in industries, sectors, and regions must include a "green component". This figure will rise to 25 percent by 2027 and 50 percent by 2030. Furthermore, "green programs" developed by government agencies, organizations, and local authorities to achieve carbon neutrality, adapt to climate change, protect the environment, enhance landscaping and implement green projects will need approval from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.
An environmental rating will also be conducted annually to reduce the environmental impact of government agencies and social facilities, promote resource efficiency and advance "green technologies".
Relevance
Climate change has led to severe weather conditions, glacier degradation, increased dust storms, soil salinization, flash floods and expanded drought-prone areas.
Industrial production, energy, construction, transport and mining sectors significantly contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.
Over the last decade, Uzbekistan's average air temperature increased by 0.29 degrees, double the global average rate. In Central Asia, glaciers have shrunk by approximately 30% over the past 50-60 years. Projections suggest that by 2050, water resources in the Syrdarya basin will decrease by 5%, and in the Amudarya basin, by up to 15%.
Uzbekistan has faced a growing water deficit:
By 2015: more than 3 billion cubic meters.
By 2030: projected to reach 7 billion cubic meters.
By 2050: expected to hit 15 billion cubic meters.
Research indicates that a 2-degree increase in average annual temperature could lead to the loss of 50% of glaciers, while a 4-degree increase would result in the loss of 78%.
Uzbekistan has been a member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change since 1993. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2017 and ratified in 2018, commits Uzbekistan to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35% per unit of GDP by 2030 compared to 2010 levels.
The energy sector accounts for 76.3% of greenhouse gas emissions, followed by agriculture at 17.8%, industry at 4.5%, and waste management at 1.4%. Uzbekistan contributes 189 million tons of greenhouse gases globally, representing 0.3% of total emissions.
International experience
The European Union's "European Green Deal" allocates over 30% of its €1.8 trillion budget for the next seven years to green projects.
In 2020-2030, China is implementing $1.7 trillion worth of green projects, while Kazakhstan has allocated $50 billion.
What advantages will this provide?
The implementation of "green projects" will help Uzbekistan adapt to climate change, mitigate its effects, and transition to a green economy. It will improve water, air and soil quality. The environmental rating of public authorities and social facilities will enhance accountability and encourage a sense of ownership among leaders and citizens for environmental protection within their assigned territories.
The Draft of the Presidential Decree is open for public and expert discussion on the national strategy portal "Uzbekistan-2030" until January 22, 2025. You can participate actively by submitting suggestions and comments through the online portal uzbekistan2030.