Congress approves motion to declare national climate emergency

With 63 votes in favor, the plenary of Congress today approved the multi-party agenda motion No. 14052, which requests the Executive Power to to declare a state of environmental and climate emergency nationwide. In addition, it requests approval of the new national climate change strategy to 2050, The motion is an important signal in Peru's efforts to become a country more prepared for climate change. This motion is an important signal in Peru's efforts to become a country more prepared for climate change.

The motion sets out a series of measures to be promoted for coordinated action at the highest level, in order to mitigate the serious impacts of climate change and to comply with the 40% emission reduction and adaptation targets by 2030, as assumed in the Paris Agreement.. In this regard, it recommends to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment (Minam), the approval of a carbon tax. This mechanism will allow those who emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants to be held financially responsible without considering the environmental and economic consequences that this generates.

The MEF is also requested to carry out an evaluation of the long-term fiscal policy, which includes a gradual decrease in fossil fuel subsidies. The motion also urges the Ministry of Energy and Mines to lead a long term energy planning, which contemplates a considerable increase in the target of renewable energies unconventional.

“Addressing the issue of climate change today will help prevent future pandemics like the current one, caused by the loss of habitats and biodiversity. It will also help promote sustainable economic recovery. It is time to ending the false dichotomy of seeing economics as incompatible with environmental stewardship, Alberto de Belaunde, president of the Special Committee on Climate Change, said in his speech at the plenary session: ”It is possible to promote an economy of well-being, where environmental and climate issues play a central role.  

During the debate, Congresswoman Julia Ayquipa (FP), emphasized that the following should be declared new marine protected areas The lack of control leads to a greater negative impact on the environment, generating polluting gases and other impacts that make it difficult to address climate change. “The lack of control leads to a greater negative impact on the environment, generating polluting gases and other impacts that make it difficult to deal with climate change”.

It should be noted that there are currently several bills in line with the priority issues raised by this climate change motion. Recently, PL 7501 was presented, which proposes financing measures for the protection of forests, reforestation and economic recovery, and includes a carbon tax. Similarly, the Energy and Mines Committee is discussing PL 6953, which promotes investment in renewable energies, and which has the broad support of specialized organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

To date, more than 38 countries around the world have declared a climate emergency nationally by prioritizing concrete actions. The United Nations Secretary General has issued a global call for all States to adopt similar emergency declarations.