The joint statement of The Little Earth and CAN EECCA calls on the Governments of the Central Asian countries to intensify efforts to combat climate change and strengthen regional cooperation.
On the eve of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), the environmental organization "The Little Earth" (Tajikistan) and the Climate Network of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (CAN EECCA) prepared a joint statement addressed to the governments of Central Asian countries.
The statement highlights general climate policy issues that countries in the region should pay particular attention to, including the transition to green and sustainable energy, the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems, enhancing climate change adaptation, ensuring transparency in climate finance and inclusive decision-making process.
The statement notes that the countries of Central Asia are among the most vulnerable to climate change, and the consequences of global warming threaten the long-term development of countries and the well-being of millions of people.
“Our joint statement is another opportunity to call on the governments of the Central Asian countries to heed the voice of science, to recognize the need for joint efforts and the urgency of action, and to abandon the business-as-usual model of doing business,” said Timur Idrisov, Senior Advisor, The Little Earth.
The authors remind that the existing forecasts leave no doubt that climate change in Central Asia poses a serious threat to water, food and energy security, and can also contribute to the emergence of new conflicts and climate migration.
The Little Earth and CAN EECCA believe that countries in the region need to adopt stronger targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and significantly strengthen adaptation measures.
The transition to a circular economy and green energy, the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, the promotion and strengthening of the scientific base and technical capacity, the expansion and strengthening of regional dialogue and cooperation are just a few of the key messages of the joint statement.
The statement emphasizes that participatory and bottom-up approaches to engaging citizens and civil society organizations should be an integral part of climate policy at both regional and non-national levels.
“We are working to ensure that civil society in the region is strong and organized, so that EECCA countries implement policies that lead to carbon neutrality and a green economy. We are pleased that together with the members of the network, we were able to create a common position for the governments of the Central Asian countries. It is a very vulnerable region, but it has the potential to prosper and increase resilience to the climate crisis,” notes Olga Boyko, EECCA CAN Coordinator.
The joint statement is available for download here.