Tunisia on Thursday announced its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), in which the country has set itself the goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 45% compared to 2010.
The country, which accounts for only 0.007% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is very vulnerable to climate change, Local Affairs and Environment Minister Kamel Doukh said Thursday.
Speaking at the national workshop on the NDC update, organised in Gammarth, in the presence of diplomats, the UNDP resident representative and national actors in the climate field, the minister pointed out that the updated version presented by Tunisia, which comprises 21 objectives and priorities and 174 measures to adapt to and mitigate the climate change effects, is “ambitious” and consistent with the United Nations sustainable development objectives.
//Energy, backbone of change!//
“Tunisia will focus its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector. The anticipated reduction in this sector is estimated at 73%, through the improvement of energy efficiency in the industry, transport and building sectors and also through the intensified use of renewable energy and shift towards clean industry,” Doukh said.
“Tunisia’s updated NDC clearly shows the country’s sectoral development priorities, provides for key actions and encourages the introduction of an agricultural model that helps preserve biodiversity, adopt a circular economy process, reduce waste at source and other actions related to food and water security,” he explained.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to Tunisia Eugena Song considered that “change has already started and several partnership projects are planned between Tunisia and UNDP for the implementation of measures and actions set out in the updated NDC.”
Tunisia is targeting primary energy savings estimated at 4 Mtoe in 2030 and about 20 Mtoe cumulative over the period 2021-2030.
The implementation of the updated NDC is expected to generate a GDP gain of about 1% over the entire period (2021-2030) and the creation of about 12,000 additional jobs in the energy sector, thanks to energy efficiency and renewable energy development measures.
Once implemented, this development tool will also help cut the energy bill of consumers, particularly the poorest social categories.
Focal point of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Mohamed Zmerli underlined that “Tunisia has already embarked on the path of change, but it needs the support of all actors and sectors to contribute to the construction of a more resilient development model.”
To achieve its objectives, Tunisia intends to raise part of the necessary financing (23%) through its own resources and the remainder through the support of international green financing mechanisms aimed at combating climate change, including especially the carbon markets in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The operationalisation of the carbon market is one of the key issues of the COP26, scheduled for October 31- November 12, 2021 in Glasgow.
According to the speakers at this meeting, the NDC, which was drawn up in perfect harmony with the decisions of the Paris Agreement, is a “perfect tool” for committing the country further to the path of clean, sustainable, fair and inclusive development.
Updated, this contribution could signal the beginning of a radical change and a transition towards ecological and responsible development, which requires the commitment of all sectors and the establishment of monitoring and evaluation arrangements for the measures and actions undertaken.
A 80-member Tunisian delegation will travel to Glasgow, Scotland, at the end of October to take part in the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), organised this year by Great Britain, in partnership with Italy.
Source: TAP News Agency