Mirziyoyev: Climate change main global challenge, increasing geopolitical tensions

Climate change is the main global challenge that aggravates geopolitical tensions and exacerbates crises, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the COP29 leaders summit in Baku, Report informs.

The Uzbek leader thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for the high level of organization of the COP29 climate conference. Mirziyoyev emphasized that Uzbekistan fully supports Azerbaijan's active efforts to expand international cooperation in combating modern climate challenges.

"Today, climate change is the main global challenge that directly affects the intensification of geopolitical tensions. Problems of poverty, food and energy security, access to water and resources are particularly aggravated. We acutely feel these problems in Central Asia. Climate problems hinder the improvement of population's quality of life and implementation of national strategies," he said.

According to Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is committed to the global goals of the Paris Agreement, including keeping warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius in this century.

"For our part, we are implementing large-scale reforms to achieve carbon neutrality. By 2030, we plan to reduce emissions by 35%. We are also expanding green space and cooperating with neighboring countries in implementing regional climate strategy," he said.