LEBANON'S GAS EMISSIONS DECREASED BY 7% BETWEEN 2018 AND 2019

Beirut: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and with funding by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), launched the “Fourth National Communication on Climate Change” report. It provides a comprehensive analysis of Lebanon’s greenhouse gas emissions, vulnerabilities, and climate projections, and highlights the urgent need for action to address the challenges of climate change in the country. By providing a comprehensive overview of the country's progress and challenges, the report will inform future policy decisions and actions to address the impacts of climate change.

Climate change is impacting all countries, including Lebanon as is evident in the country's changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. In recent years, Lebanon has faced droughts, wildfires, floods, and heatwaves, all of which have had significant economic, social, and environmental impacts on the country, adding further challenges to the compounded crises. As a result, climate change has become a pressing issue that requires urgent attention from policymakers, experts, and citizens alike.

The launch of the Fourth National Communication on Climate Change marks an important milestone in Lebanon's efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

The report, developed with the support of UNDP and funded by GEF, was officially submitted to the “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” (UNFCCC) in December 2022.  It provides a clear overview of the greenhouse gas emissions in Lebanon, which are predominantly generated by the energy and transport sectors, accounting for 80% of emissions. Lebanon's emissions decreased by 7% between 2018 and 2019, mainly due to a slower consumption of fossil fuels following the compounded crises. While further reductions are anticipated in 2020-2021, these projections are yet to be validated. The report also affirms that Lebanon's climate is constantly changing, with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, rise in temperatures by up to 4.9°C, and precipitation decrease by up to 22% by 2100.

The launch event was attended by high-level officials, including the Minister of Environment H.E. Mr. Nasser Yassin and UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Ms. Melanie Hauenstein, along with representatives from government institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

"We are proud to present the Fourth National Communication on Climate Change, which demonstrates Lebanon's commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change," said Minister Yassin. "This report serves as a roadmap for our country to continue working towards a sustainable future, and we thank UNDP and all partners for their support in this important effort."

“We know that Climate Change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It is an issue of survival of our planet, and as such it is at the core of development. For Lebanon it is more than that, it is also an opportunity to build forward better, to invest in a green recovery, and to build an economic model that is not only financially viable but environmentally and socially sustainable. UNDP remains committed to support Lebanon in this endeavour.” Melanie Hauenstein, UNDP Resident Representative.

Since 1999, UNDP has been working with the Ministry of Environment to mitigate the impact of climate change on Lebanon; whether through providing technical assistance, playing a central role in coordinating national efforts in mainstreaming climate change in development plans and reforms, or working on renewable energy and sustainable transport initiatives and solutions. UNDP has also been working with the Ministry on promoting clean energy and solid waste management.

For more information, please contact:

In UNDP – Lebanon     | Rana Moughabghab | rana.moughabghab@undp.org  | +961 3 835 351