BiH has signed up to the global Paris Climate Agreement, as well as EU’s Green Agenda. These climate goals were incorporated in its revised National Determined Contributions (NDC) which were adopted one year ago, committing to cut greenhouse gas emission by over one-third by 2030 and almost two-thirds by 2050 compared to emission levels in 1990. This is an ambitious but feasible goal. Implementation of these Climate Goals would make BiH better prepared to be a member of the European Union and would meet the targets of the national framework for the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, with public and private action and support, the climate goals can accelerate the digital and the green economic growth.

Across the world, the green transition is happening at a rapid pace. In other countries, we have seen that such green transition creates jobs and growth. BiH’s economy cannot afford to lag behind. 

Instead of just seeing the challenge, we need to see the gains if we take concrete actions. Better insulated houses and moving to heating solutions based on renewables and less polluting technologies gives citizens - but also to the private sector and public authorities - lower heating bills, cleaner air, lower operational costs, new jobs in the climate and energy-related industries.

Taking action on climate change requires systemic support for societal changes, for example, the parliamentary initiative to cut import taxes on electric vehicles. Indeed, the necessary technologies exist, and more are invented rapidly. The real challenge is to apply them. 

We recognize that big investments and technical assistance are needed. Between now and 2030, approximately BAM 17 billion will be required to transition to green energy production. Policy and legislation will be required to support a transition from coal-fuelled power plants to cleaner energy sources, including, for example, through reforming the state-level law on electricity and natural gas and phasing out coal subsidies.