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Over 280 European,
international, and Ukrainian NGOs have jointly
urged the European Union and G7 leaders to
tighten control over Russia's fossil fuel
exports, citing the need to prevent further
aggression in Europe beyond Ukraine, especially
as the tragic anniversary of two years of war
approaches. They advocate for measures such as
banning Russian LNG gas imports, closing
loopholes in existing sanctions, and reducing
oil and gas consumption to diminish the
financing of Russia's military endeavors. These
civil society groups call for full enforcement
of price caps on Russian crude oil, prevention
of the expansion of dangerous tanker fleets,
closure of refining loopholes, and a complete
ban on LNG imports from Russia to deflate the
Russian war economy.
Environmental
organizations have criticized the shipment of
uranium from Russia to Almelo, the Netherlands,
after ANVS issued a transport permit. The
uranium deal has drawn sharp criticism, pointing
out the contradiction with sanctions and the
growing dependence on Russian supplies. France's
EDF is also involved in nuclear deals with
Russia, emphasizing European dependence on the
Russian nuclear industry.
The
Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan
(NECP) 2025-2030 in Moldova, drafted with
support from the EU and UNDP, underwent public
consultation, outlining targets for renewable
energy, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas
emissions reductions by 2030. Key initiatives
include achieving a 27% share of renewable
energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by
68.6%, introducing energy-saving measures,
renovating public buildings for energy
efficiency, launching an Energy Efficiency Fund,
and promoting smart meters and electric vehicle
chargers.
Armenian human rights
and environmental defenders have faced
escalating attacks in local media, including
defamation, smear campaigns, and intimidation,
particularly concerning their work on
environmental issues such as the controversial
Amulsar mining project. Despite opposition from
local communities and concerns raised by civil
society organizations, the government's support
for the project has led to intensified attacks
on defenders, raising fears of further
restrictions on civic space and hindrances to
meaningful engagement with international
financial institutions. The targeting of
defenders through defamation lawsuits and
demands for compensation underscores the risks
they face in protecting human and environmental
rights, threatening the integrity of civil
society in Armenia.
Farmers in Kyrgyzstan
are facing a shortage of irrigation water, which
last year led to the loss of a third of their
crops in Chui oblast. The country's authorities
promise to solve the problem by building special
basins and cleaning silt from canals. The
Ministry of Water Resources is rethinking its
functions, including ensuring rural water supply
and monitoring river conditions, with increased
preparation for possible water shortages and
future plans, including revision of water
agreements.
President Ilham Aliyev
has issued an order to modify the composition of
the Organising Committee for the upcoming COP29,
Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement sessions, as
reported by Caliber.Az and published on the
official Azerbaijani presidential website. The
changes involve expanding the committee to
include various representatives such as Khanlar
Agalarov, Gulshan Akhundova, and Sabina
Hajiyeva, among others, while excluding Ruslan
Aliyev. These adjustments aim to enhance the
committee's effectiveness in preparing for the
significant climate change conferences
ahead.
The
intertwining of climate change and Russia's war
against Ukraine is rooted in fossil fuel
dependency. Russia's substantial revenue from
fossil fuel exports, amounting to over $600
billion since the onset of the conflict in
Ukraine, fuels its military expenditures,
contributing to an unprecedented increase in its
military budget, predominantly funded by oil and
gas exports. Moreover, the war exacerbates
climate change, with the conflict alone
contributing approximately 150 million tons of
CO2 equivalent emissions, surpassing annual
emissions of highly industrialized nations like
Belgium. Various war-related activities,
including warfare, fires, airspace closures, and
refugee movements, significantly contribute to
greenhouse gas emissions, with estimated climate
damage reaching nearly $10 billion.
Lawmakers in Kyrgyzstan
have advanced legislation regulating NGOs in a
move criticized for potentially stifling civil
society, with procedural irregularities noted
during the voting process. Spearheaded by Nadira
Narmatova, the bill requires NGOs receiving
foreign funding to undergo stringent audits and
discloses employee details, prompting concerns
over operational feasibility and governmental
intentions. Despite international condemnation,
including from the U.S. government, for
potentially limiting essential services provided
by NGOs, Kyrgyzstan's president defended the
bill, accusing foreign-funded NGOs of
misrepresentation and wastefulness.
On
the second anniversary of Russia's invasion,
Ukraine is determined to rebuild stronger and
greener despite ongoing conflict. Energy plays a
crucial role, exemplified by Ukraine's
disconnection from Russia's power system just
before the invasion, signaling its intent to
integrate with Europe's network and emphasize
independence. Despite facing significant
infrastructure damage, including the loss of
major energy assets like the Zaporizhzhia
nuclear power plant, Ukraine is investing in
renewable energy projects and aims to become a
green energy hub for Europe, showcasing
resilience and commitment to environmental
sustainability amidst adversity.
The
Center for Media Research and Educational
Development (Mediadatalab) of Uzbekistan
conducted a study titled "Do you have water?"
focusing on the attitudes of young people in
Uzbekistan towards water conservation and
environmental awareness. Despite the high
awareness of water scarcity issues among the
youth, their behavior does not always reflect
conscious water conservation practices in daily
life. However, the majority of respondents are
willing to adopt rational water-saving advice,
indicating a potential for behavioral change
through effective education and awareness
campaigns.
The
aftermath of the 2022 Russian invasion of
Ukraine underscored Europe's vulnerabilities in
energy supply, security, and infrastructure,
particularly in Eastern Europe where the shift
away from Russian fossil fuels posed significant
challenges for energy transition and transit
routes. Countries grappled with the task of
decoupling critical energy infrastructure from
Russian dominance, with Lithuania advocating for
an accelerated disconnection from the Russian
grid. Concerns over rising costs and potential
blackouts added to the complexity, highlighting
the intricate interplay between security,
economic, and societal factors in the region's
energy landscape.
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