“Lithuania is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% below 1990 levels by 2030, and to achieving climate neutrality and a circular economy by 2050,” said Minister Gentvilas.
He highlighted Lithuania’s ambitious renewable energy targets, emphasizing that by 2030, all electricity produced in the country will be green. Solar and wind energy, which quadrupled in capacity by 2020, is set to double again within the next two years. By 2050, renewables will account for 100% of the country’s final energy consumption, including heating, ventilation, and electricity generation.
Minister Gentvilas stressed the importance of global unity in tackling climate challenges: “It is crucial for the international community to uphold the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature goal and strengthen the planet’s resilience to climate impacts. We must also establish a realistic long-term global climate finance target beyond 2025, aligned with individual countries’ mitigation efforts.”
During his address, the Minister called for international action to address the environmental and climate harm caused by Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
“Lithuania supports the establishment of an international platform to hold Russia accountable for its actions, including the severe and lasting damage to Ukraine’s environment and its climate mitigation efforts,” he stated.
COP29, which began on November 11, continues to focus on implementing the Paris Agreement and preparing binding post-2030 climate actions. Discussions include the first joint assessment of progress, adopted last year at COP28 in Dubai, and advancing market-based mechanisms. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in achieving breakthroughs on mitigation and agreeing on a long-term climate finance target beyond 2025.
As the negotiations continue, Lithuania’s bold commitments and calls for accountability highlight the critical need for international cooperation to address the climate crisis and its far-reaching impacts.
