Sergiu Lazarencu: Moldova's economy faces serious challenges due to climate change

Climate change is a real crisis that has a serious impact on Moldova's economy, Moldova's Minister of Environment Sergiu Lazarencu said at the event "Celebrating the Water Lifeline for Climate, Nature and People" within COP29, Report informs.

He noted that humanity's future is closely linked to water resources: "For Moldova, climate change is already a real crisis, manifesting as drought and water scarcity, having serious impacts on daily life and economy, especially in rural communities dependent on agriculture. Rising temperatures, frequent droughts, and irregular precipitation reduce the production of main crops such as wheat and corn. Vineyards, which are the foundation of our economy and heritage, face growing challenges. Lack of access to water is becoming a serious problem, threatening both agriculture and the daily needs of the population."

Lazarencu noted that Moldova's main water resources are two transboundary rivers - Dniester and Prut: "For example, 80% of the population receives water from the Dniester River. This river provides water needs for 98% of Chisinau residents. International cooperation in integrated water resource management is key to ensuring sustainable development and efficient use of water resources in a changing environment where scarcity is a common problem."