Tunisia’s official representative to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Mohamed Zmerli, announced that Tunisia has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.
Tunisia is among the first countries to declare its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Regarding renewable energy in Tunisia, Zmerli stated that it currently accounts for only about 4%, posing a financial burden on the state budget and an environmental problem.
The goal, he added, is to reach 30% renewable energy by 2030, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Meanwhile, Zmerli noted that COP28 will witness the first assessment since the ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2015, making the current conference one of the most significant editions and a pivotal point. He highlighted that this assessment would provide an overview of the world’s progress, the challenges faced, and the actions required in the future to implement the agreement.
He pointed out the issue of setting a global goal for climate change adaptation, which is under discussion at the conference.
While the emission reduction goal is clear – to keep the temperature increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius – there is no definite goal for climate change adaptation, making it a sensitive point, especially for developing countries more affected by climate change.
Zmerli emphasized the importance of activating the Loss and Damage Fund, noting that its financing, management, beneficiaries, and eligibility criteria are all subjects of discussion.
Regarding the global assessment, he mentioned that it would include three main elements: adaptation to climate changes and achievements in this area, emission reduction efforts and their extent, and financing, specifically the accessibility of necessary funds for climate adaptation and emission reduction.
He concluded by saying that in the absence of proper evaluation mechanisms and indicators, there is hope that COP28 will result in definitive indicators for climate change adaptation.
