Abandoning fossil fuel extraction - economic necessity of today Croatian PM at COP29

The acceleration of global climate action remains one of the most important topics on the world agenda, said Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at COP29 leaders' summit in Baku.

According to him, the abandonment of fossil fuel extraction is not only a wise decision from the perspective of climate protection but also an economic necessity of today, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"Croatia’s achievements and investments in renewable energy reflect the country’s commitment to climate protection. In 2022, renewable sources accounted for 29.5% of our energy consumption. This figure continues to grow. We have green hydrogen and geothermal development projects. We will increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix to 42.5% by 2030," he said.

Plenković emphasized the importance of investments in renewable energy, particularly in rivers, and highlighted the country's significant potential in this area.

"Economic growth and environmental responsibility can coexist. We strive to protect our environment and biodiversity. We are also promoting new technologies and transforming plastic, textiles, sludge, and other non-recyclable waste into zero-emission hydrogen," he added.

The prime minister called for collective efforts to achieve an inclusive climate financing goal at COP29.

"This is also important in the context of attracting investments and meeting the needs of developing countries. The catastrophic floods that occurred over the past year in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, and southern Croatia are evidence of the devastating consequences of the climate crisis. The Mediterranean region is one of the most vulnerable. Urgent action is needed. We welcome the creation of a special portfolio for this region within the European Commission. And we must act now to protect our people, economies, and nature," he concluded.

By Khagan Isayev