Addressing environmental issues relevant to Belarus requires an elaborate state policy. Therefore, the Center for Social and Economic Research (CASE), in collaboration with the Economic Team of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, has developed the Belarus Green Economy Concept. Its goal is to improve the standard of living and ensure the well-being and health of Belarusians.
To learn more about the Belarus Green Economy Concept, you can visit the website: https://belarusgreeneconomy.eu/. Each of its sections is available in English.
10 steps to a “green” Belarus:
STEP 1. CLIMATE POLICY
Currently, Belarus lacks a climate policy. Its establishment will help reduce emissions, achieve energy independence, develop technologies, and decrease financial outflows.
STEP 2. ENERGY SECURITY
Belarus’s economy, relying on cheap energy from Russia, has vulnerabilities, including technological backwardness and dependence on Russia, which meddles in the country’s internal affairs. For energy security, it is crucial to reduce gas consumption, develop renewable energy sources, become independent from Russian gas, establish long-term agreements with multiple suppliers, and organize energy transit through Lithuania and Poland.
STEP 3. RENEWABLE ENERGY
Belarusian and international experts assert that half of the gas used for heating can be replaced by biogas, biomass, wind, and solar energy. Contrary to misconceptions, all these energy sources can and should be developed nationwide.
STEP 4. GREEN INDUSTRIES
Belarus has the potential to transition to more environment-friendly industries. To achieve this, it has to increase energy efficiency, adopt clean technologies, develop a circular economy, efficiently use resources, and manage waste.
STEP 5. WASTE MANAGEMENT
About 70% of the waste in the country is not recycled. Unfortunately, it ends up in landfills, polluting soil and groundwater. In a “green” Belarus, waste should become raw material for industries or be used for energy production.
STEP 6. SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
Transport emissions are the main cause of air pollution in cities. To care for the health of Belarusians, it is essential to develop eco-friendly transport, establish the production of ecological fuels, and apply innovative technologies in the transport sector.
STEP 7. AGRICULTURE
Nearly 20% of Belarusian agricultural land is under the threat of desertification. The solution lies in more environment-friendly farming methods and the development of farming. Private land ownership and access to financing and markets will allow farmers to acquire modern equipment.
STEP 8. PRESERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Without protecting biodiversity, ecosystems degrade, facilitating the penetration of alien species and endangering plants and animals. To avoid this, a plan for the protection and restoration of biodiversity is needed, taking into account the needs of Belarusian agriculture, industry, and energy.
STEP 9. “GREEN” CITIES
Over 78% of our country’s population lives in cities. Therefore, life in Belarusian cities needs to be not only technological and convenient but also safe for people and the environment. To achieve this, it is necessary to expand the concept of “green” cities and develop “green” technologies, eco-friendly transport, and renewable energy.
STEP 10. “GREEN” FINANCING
“Green” economy requires significant investments. Attracting funds requires building a stable economy, improving Belarus’s international image, creating a favorable investment climate, and developing international cooperation.
