The Ministry of Environment of Ukraine together with business discussed actions and the role of business in shaping Ukraine’s climate policy
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources held a meeting with business representatives jointly with the Ukrainian Climate Office and the “Chapter Zero Ukraine & Caucasus” Initiative.
Participants of the online event discussed Ukraine’s integration into global efforts to combat climate change and how changing climate policy in the European Union affects national businesses. The parties also discussed the international climate event – the UN Conference of the Parties – and its importance for business, as well as expectations from this year’s COP29. Representatives of various sectors also shared their own examples of successful climate action.
The Ministry of Ecology and other participants of the event agreed that business should become the driving force behind all processes related to climate change.
‘Business plays a huge role in climate change and climate mitigation by implementing innovative solutions, influencing policy making and setting new standards. Business investment in the environment will ensure long-term economic sustainability and new markets for goods and services. That is why business should become the engine of climate action in Ukraine,’said Deputy Minister Viktoriia Kyrieva.
Viktoriia Kireeva noted that despite the challenges posed by russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is accelerating its movement towards EU membership and called integration one of the most important areas of global efforts to combat climate change.
Business representatives, together with the event organisers, noted that climate change in Ukraine and the world is directly related to the present and future prospects of Ukrainian business. In addition, representatives of various sectors shared their own examples of successful climate action.
Specifically, the participants discussed emission reductions, the European Union’s experience with climate policy, international climate negotiations, and how and why businesses are involved. The participants agreed that it is important for business to participate in climate action to ensure that climate policy is implemented in a way that is acceptable to business and given the key role of business in tackling climate change.
According to Arvid Turkner, EBRD Managing Director for Ukraine and Moldova, ‘corporate climate governance, development of transition plans and consideration of transition risks will help to change business models and increase the resilience of Ukrainian businesses.’
The share of global emissions covered by climate policy has grown rapidly and will continue to grow in the future, so business will be involved in its development and, most importantly, will implement it, determining the effectiveness of measures, so the involvement of the private sector is crucial.
‘Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the business landscape has undergone dramatic changes and is moving towards green and sustainable technologies. The transition to carbon neutrality for business means the need to keep abreast of developments to increase resilience and reduce risks,’ summed up Julia Jesson, component leader of the UCO, GIZ project “Capacities for Climate Action”.
