The stakes of climate change, the sustainable European energy future and Moldova’s involvement in this process were discussed in a debate staged in the Public Garden “Stephan the Great” of Chisinau on June 17. The event, held on the occasion of the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), involved the ambassadors of France and the UK, IPN reports.

British Ambassador Phil Batson said that Moldova is a small country and certainly does not contribute to global warming the most. Even so, each citizen must realize the damage caused by global warming. Moldova uses three times more energy per person than any member state of the EU. As the use of energy is inefficient, a part of the people face difficulties in paying the bills, like the heat ones.

According to the diplomat, own initiatives are needed as the encouragement of reduced consumption of energy and thermal insulation of buildings. The investments in ecological growth and renewable energy will make an essential contribution for the benefit of the country and its people.

The Ambassador of France to Moldova Pascal Vagogne said this event is an occasion for discussing climate change and the relevant policies. A UN conference centering on climate change will take place in Paris in December. It will bring together representatives of the governments of the EU member states.

The objective of the conference is to agree a new ambitious international accord with the aim of maintaining global average annual temperature below 2°C. For the EU member states, the commitments that must be achieved are stipulated in the climate and energy package of the European Union, which was adopted in October 2014. The key targets for 2030 are: at least 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990; at least 27% of total energy consumption from renewable energy, and at least 27% increase in energy efficiency.

The EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is staged in Moldova for the second time.