Rigorous, fair measures needed to address environmental damage caused by human activities: President of Paraguay


Speaking at the COP28 Climate Summit yesterday, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña expressed hope that COP28 in Dubai “will mark a turning point in the measures to repair the damage that humans have caused to land and sea”.

“Such measures must be rigorous and fair, respecting the guiding principles of the Paris Agreement, such as shared but differentiated responsibilities, taking into account the particular capacities and conditions of world countries, especially those of us who need to strengthen our development,” the president highlighted during his speech.

He also urged all parties concerned to “simplify processes and remove barriers that impede access to climate funds.”

“The planet is a common heritage, and we therefore encourage inclusive participation in the COP,” the president added.

He also emphasised “the importance of a more equitable and unified approach to the challenges” of climate action.

The Paraguayan President presented his country’s initiatives and achievements in climate action.

In t
his regard, he stressed that Paraguay generates 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, with the “lowest CO2 emissions in the region” and only “0.1% of global emissions”.

Paraguay is home to unique biological wealth and solid potential as a carbon sink. In addition, 44% of the national territory has forest cover, and 15% is under the Wildlife Protected Beech Regime.

Peña referred to the Fourth National Communication on Climate Change to show that his country has achieved a 44% reduction in emissions from the land-use change and forestry sector and a 40% reduction in methane emissions in the agriculture and livestock sector compared to 2010.

He also highlighted that the nation is “a pivotal player for food and energy security, with a huge awareness of the environment”.

Source: Emirates News Agency