Reducing role of carbon fuels in Kazakhstan’s economy focus of OSCE workshop
ASTANA, 23 November 2015 – An OSCE-supported workshop was held in Astana today on mechanisms and ways to de-carbonize Kazakhstan’s economy in view of its commitments to be approved at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
Some 60 parliamentarians, government officials from the Agriculture, Energy, Finance, Investments and Development as well as National Economy Ministries as well as representatives of the business community international and national organizations discussed institutional and legislative ways to promote green growth principles and tools Kazakhstan could use to implement its commitments to reduce greenhouse emissions and encourage green technologies.
As a signatory party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kazakhstan is aiming to cut its greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 15 to 25 percent by 2030.
“To attract green investments we should channel the environmental payment funds to support the transition to a low-carbon economy,” Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Energy Minister Uzakbai Karabalin said. “To this end, generated environmental taxes will serve as an incentive to introduce low-carbon technologies in Kazakhstan.”
Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana Natalia Zarudna noted that the OSCE pays significant attention to raising awareness and enhancing preparedness in countering the threats of climate change with the aim of sustainable economic development, establishing a favourable business climate and improving government efficiency. “An integral part of this activity is the involvement of all stakeholders in the decision making by attracting scientific-practical expertise and international experience,” she added.
The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, and the Green Academy Scientific Research and Education Centre with support of the Embassy of France in Astana. It is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development principles in the host country.