Bishkek:Kyrgyzstan is set to update its national action plan aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050. A draft resolution from the Cabinet of Ministers has been submitted for public discussion to amend the previously adopted plan.

According to 24.kg News Agency, the proposed revisions are necessary due to Kyrgyzstan's new international climate commitments and the preparation of an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to combat climate change.

The revised document outlines Kyrgyzstan's objective to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 18.44 percent by 2030 through its own initiatives, with the potential to reach a 29.66 percent reduction with international support. By 2035, the country aims for an unconditional emissions cut of 16.32 percent and a conditional target of 38.56 percent. These targets are set against projected emissions under a business-as-usual scenario for the respective years.

The updated plan will address various sectors such as energy, industry, transport, agriculture, forestry, and waste management. It includes measures to strengthen emission reduction efforts in agriculture, expand forest protection, and promote sustainable land use. For the first time, specific measures to reduce hydrofluorocarbon emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning are also being introduced.

The programme will also incorporate adaptation strategies for climate change, focusing on water resource management, disaster risk reduction, public health protection, and climate education development. Kyrgyzstan's vulnerability to climate change, due to factors such as accelerated glacier melt and declining water resources, is highlighted as a key concern.

The proposed climate policy emphasizes considering the interests of socially vulnerable groups, addressing employment issues, and examining the socioeconomic implications of transitioning to low-emission technologies. Additionally, the measures include attracting green investments and enhancing the greenhouse gas emissions monitoring system.

The explanatory note clarifies that adopting the resolution will not necessitate additional funding from the national budget, as the measures are expected to be financed through existing government agency budgets and extra-budgetary sources.