SPEECHES AND STATEMENTS

Speech by President Rosen Plevneliev on 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference

Dear Mr. Secretary-General,
Excellences,
Ladies and gentlemen,

We are here today to support an agreement that would keep climate change below two degrees Celsius and will bring to a successful end almost two decades of intense climate negotiations. This agreement should also catalyze the transformation of the global economy.

In the last few years the cost of clean energy declined significantly. Our ability to reduce energy use has increased. Now, fighting climate change is not only our moral obligation, it also presents a sound economic case for the world.

Fighting global warming requires that we change the way we live and work. We need to rebuild our economies by leaving behind the resource-intensive production models of the past. All countries should contribute to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, but they can also benefit from the economic opportunities of the low carbon economy.

The new model of economic growth cannot be a privilege only for advanced countries. It must also benefit the poorer parts of the world by bringing light, health and education for all. More advanced countries should help the less developed with low carbon technologies, investments and trade.

My country, Bulgaria, is blessed with a wide variety of clean energy resources. We will make the best out of them. By working together with our neighbors in South East Europe we can make a significant contribution to European energy and climate security goals and to our shared global climate mission.

As a proud member of the EU Bulgaria is a strong supporter of the policy of an open Energy Union which involves countries beyond the borders of the EU. Energy efficiency, accessibility and diversification are crucial for sustainable development. The Bulgarian government is implementing our Third National Action Plan on climate change to accelerate economic and public transformation. We launched an ambitious national energy efficiency program. We are proud that Bulgaria managed to reach the EU 2020 goals on renewables seven years in advance. We have already increased the share of renewable energy to 20% of our energy mix. We also reduced greenhouse emissions by 20% and increased energy efficiency by 20%. Our ecosystems and biodiversity protection is fundamental for climate mitigation. Bulgaria is the EU champion as we protect 1/3 of our territory under the highest environmental protection standards in the world as part of the pan European Natura 2000 network.
 
Our goals are set high and we must deliver. The 2030 EU target, which we share, commits us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. The new global agreement on climate change should enhance the transparency and accountability systems. Common rules and procedures for regular reporting and review need to be established to enable all of us to assess whether emissions reduction targets are being achieved.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Two months ago we adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals - an action plan for people, the planet and prosperity. We committed ourselves to working tirelessly for its implementation. This meeting is a big test. We need urgent and coordinated action to ensure the future of all people and our planet.

Our future is priceless but carbon emissions are not. Today we ought to decide how we will pay this price. Tomorrow is at stake.

Thank you!