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Pentus: fighting the climate change brings opportunities as well as challenges

The Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus said in a speech delivered in Durban at the UN Climate Change Conference that in the fight against climate change, opportunities should be seen besides the challenges, and gave the example of Estonia’s development after restoration of its independence.

"We have built a country that we can be proud of today thanks to the fact that we saw opportunities, not merely difficulties, 20 years ago. An opportunity to do things on our own and in the right way. I encourage all countries that are not in an easy situation today, not only to see challenges in fighting climate change, but also an opportunity. An opportunity to do things better, in a smarter and sustainable way, considering the long-term interests of your country. I am certain that in the future, the winners are not the countries that pollute and waste more, but the countries that are able to use their resources in the most innovative and efficient way. They will become the stars of a new, greener economy," said Pentus in her speech to the representatives of 192 countries.

The Minister of the Environment also emphasised the need for cooperation and unity, since climate change is not a problem that could be solved by one country or a group of countries. "Unity is important for everyone to understand the graveness of the situation, leaving the doubters no room for doubt. Unity is also important for not to leave anyone an impression that their efforts are futile because no one else is doing anything. I invite large economies to become role models for the others – big influence also means big responsibility."

We are also open to the possibility of extending the Kyoto Protocol as a transitional tool. The minister also emphasised that for Estonia as a country rich in forests, it is important that the principles of sustainable forest management are taken into consideration in laying down commitments.

The minister also presented an overview of what has been done in the field of climate change in Estonia so far. “Years ago, we took an obligation to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and we belong to the European Union emission trading system. Improving energy efficiency and increasing energy saving are some of the examples of Estonian priorities. This entails, inter alia, invest in making buildings more energy efficient and by the year 2012, a charging network for cars that use green energy will be completed, covering the entire Estonia," Pentus said.