Baku: The European Union (EU) and Azerbaijan are exploring collaborative efforts to make Azerbaijani cities low-carbon, sustainable, and livable for future generations, stated EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Marijana Kujund€š¬…¡¬¦¾ic. This announcement was made at an event in Nakhchivan focused on the 'Covenant of Mayors - Eastern Partnership' initiative, as reported by APA-Economics.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the Ambassador emphasized the immediacy of climate change, highlighting that it is neither a distant issue nor one confined to the global level. Kujund€š¬…¡¬¦¾ic pointed out that energy efficiency not only benefits the climate but also reduces municipal costs, enhances energy security, and lowers utility expenses for households.

Buildings are significant energy consumers in urban areas, and improving their energy efficiency through thermal insulation, renovation, and the adoption of energy-efficient systems can decrease energy demand and enhance living conditions, health, and quality of life. The transport sector also plays a crucial role in emissions, with population growth and increased public transport usage. The rapid rise in car numbers, for instance, has intensified the problem, with a noted 20-30 percent increase in Baku's car numbers over recent years. Kujund€š¬…¡¬¦¾ic remarked that this is a trend seen in many European cities, necessitating urgent action.