COP29: Pellegrini Calls for Global Cooperation on Climate Change (2)

Baku/Bratislava, November 12 (TASR) - The longer we wait with the fight against climate change, the more we might lose in terms of our lifestyle, ecosystem and economy, President Peter Pellegrini declared during his speech at a UN Conference on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku on Tuesday. The Slovak head of state called on all countries of the world to join forces and seek solutions together. In his speech, Pellegrini pointed out that Slovakia has been one of the countries affected by the hottest summer in recorded history, concomitant with heavy rains and devastating floods. According to Pellegrini, no country in the world is big enough to face the climate change alone and he underlined the need for cooperation among all countries, including those with the largest economies as well as the greatest polluters. "The developing countries need our solidarity," he claimed, adding that Slovakia promised to contribute €2.2 million to the Climate Green Fund by 2027. "This will help our developing partner countries build a cleaner future." Pellegrini pointed out that Slovakia's emissions have dropped almost by 50 percent since 1990, with the last coal mine shut down in 2023. He added that Slovakia is recalibrating its focus on low-emission forms of energy - particularly nuclear energy and renewable energy sources. "My country plans to cut emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030. In order to accomplish this, we'll invest €14 billion in decarbonising the sector and increasing renewable sources to bolster our resilience," said Pellegrini and added that this will be accomplished with measures that won't jeopardise jobs, competitiveness and the prosperity of the country. "If we as politicians lose trust from our citizens, we won't be able to succeed." At a subsequent press briefing, Pellegrini told journalists that Slovakia has met its commitments stemming from the Paris Climate Agreement unequivocally. In addition, Slovakia will join a COP29 initiative called "No New Coal", presented at the summit by Azerbaijan with a mind towards ending coal-based electricity production. Pellegrini stated that Slovakia has already accomplished such a state and will extend support to the initiative. Pellegrini emphasised that he won't join the criticism that an oil- and gas producer like Azerbaijan shouldn't organise a climate-oriented summit. "On the contrary, I welcome the fact that we're in this very country today because it shows how an economy, previously completely dependent on oil and gas revenues, can gradually start to change... and change also its energy mix towards renewable sources," he added. mf/mcs