Workshop on climate changes and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has kicked off in Yerevan, Armenia, for Asia-Pacific region and Eastern Europe. The event that has brought together 54 representatives from 47 countries will end on 10 September.
Addressing those present at the event, Nature Protection Minister of Armenia Aramais Grigoryan recalled that Armenia has ratified United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1993. Over the last 19 years, Armenia has managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions threefold, the minister said. He outlined that 68% of overall greenhouse gas emissions in the country is in the field in energy. Meanwhile, he said, Armenia's resources of renewable energy will create preconditions for sustainable development of the future generations.
The National Action Plan for reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions will be submitted to the Government of Armenia in 2015.
In the period of 1953 up to 2012 the air temperature in Armenia rose by 1.03 degree, with precipitations falling 10%. Climate change is affect ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources, forestry ecosystem, and human health.
By climatic forecasts, the air temperature in Armenia will rise by 1-1.2 degree by 2030, by 4.8-5.7 degrees till 2100. The rising air temperature, amid reducing precipitations will increase the evaporating capacity and reduce snow covering, which will, in turn, affect water resources.