Within the framework of the visit of the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen to our country, a panel discussion was held today between the stakeholders on the topic “Triple Planetary Crisis”, a warning from the UN that the Earth is facing: climate disruption, loss of nature and biodiversity, and pollution and waste.
The event was opened by the Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Kaja Shukova, who emphasized that the Triple Planetary Crisis is a reality that we experience every day. Extreme weather events, species extinction, deforestation and depletion of vital resources are just some of the alarming signs of an ecological imbalance that must be urgently addressed.
- Global challenges require regional, but also national and local actions. We are in a moment that calls for unity, cooperation and action. This crisis knows no borders and affects us all, regardless of our nationality, race or socio-economic status. We, as Macedonian citizens, are asked to come together and find sustainable solutions that preserve the well-being of our planet and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.
She also stated that solving the triple planetary crisis requires a multifaceted approach.
- We must tackle the root causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to clean energy sources and adopting sustainable practices. We must stop the loss of biodiversity by protecting ecosystems, conserving habitats and promoting sustainable land and ocean management. We must ensure the responsible use of our natural resources, adopting the principles of a circular economy and reducing waste and pollution. But addressing these challenges cannot be the responsibility of governments alone. It requires collective efforts of all stakeholders – civil society, the academic community, the private sector and individuals – pointed out Shukova, appealing to work together towards a common vision. At the same time, she informs about the new opportunities offered by the EU Life Program (which will be signed next month in Brussels on the sidelines of the bilateral screening for Chapter 27), where partnership approaches will be able to provide joint actions in addressing global challenges.
Today’s discussion was initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning in cooperation with UNEP, and in addition to Andersen and Shukova, the UN Resident Coordinator Rosana Dudzak, representatives from the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister in Charge for Economic Affairs and Coordination with Economic Sectors, as well as the international and academic community, as well as representatives from the civil sector, also participated.