"We are in the critical second week of negotiations in Baku. Time is short and our message must be the goal of 1.5 degrees is still achievable. Negative impacts of climate crisis are ever more intense and frequent all over the world. We cannot delay decisive actions any longer," Bojan Kumer, minister of environment, climate and energy of Slovenia, said at the high-level meeting during COP29, Report informs.
"We must cut emissions fast. To truly embark on this path, we must fully implement last year's global stocktake decision, including the energy package. In addition, further efforts for transitioning away from fossil fuels and addressing the challenge of subsidies for fossil fuels should be made.
Slovenia is acting. We have set the long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and are currently preparing our first national climate law, which will set the legal framework for more decisive climate action. We are even exploring opportunities to achieve neutrality earlier.
Understanding the importance of finance for climate action in developing countries and the need for solidarity, Slovenia increased its climate financing by almost 40% in 2023. While respecting the commitment to double adaptation finance, we have also pledged to raise our contribution to the Green Climate Fund by 150% and will support the Loss and damage fund. We recognize the climate crisis is also a security question.
That's why climate security is one of the priorities for Slovenia. As a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council. Climate justice must underpin our collective action. Gender equality and a human rights-based approach in climate negotiations and wider. Climate action at the national level is of key importance. The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is of key importance for sustainable development.
Ladies and gentlemen, before departing for Baku, I asked the Slovenian Youth delegate what she would like to share with this plenary. Her message is urgent for young people. 2030 and 2050 are not distant milestones.
They are our future and they are fast approaching. We are closely observing the current situation and are worried because the window for effective change is closing rapidly. We urge leaders to ensure this year COPS results in concrete steps forward rather than becoming another opportunity to negotiate business interests," he added.