Kazakhstan's Head of State Attends United Nations Meeting

Rewritten Article:

President Tokayev Pitches Green Recovery at Global Extractive Industries Conference

In an bold move, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took the virtual stage at the UN Secretary-General António Guterres' Global Roundtable on Extractive Industries, stressing the need for a green recovery in the post-COVID era. Tokayev addressed a assembly of heads of state, international organization leaders, and business and expert representatives.

Tokayev emphasized that the current global recovery presents a unique opportunity for prioritizing environmental protection in our collective agenda. He pointed out that Kazakhstan is committed to building a decarbonized economy, with no alternative to this path. Kazakhstan was the first nation in the CIS to ratify the Paris Agreement and has been leading the charge on active climate policy in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, a promise made at the Climate Ambition Summit in December 2020. He highlighted that Kazakhstan remains among the most energy-intensive countries, with the extractive sector accounting for half of its industry, and 70% of its electricity relying on coal.

In response, Tokayev identified the "ecologization" of the extractive industry as the top priority for Kazakhstan's sustainable development, an absolute must in their green transformation journey. He shared that a concept for Kazakhstan's low-carbon development until 2050 is currently under development.

"To reduce our dependence on coal, we will develop a National Power Development Project, focusing on key priorities such as gas and hydro power, as well as renewable energy sources. Furthermore, we aim to plant up to two billion trees in Kazakhstan in the next five years," said Tokayev.

Tokayev echoed Guterres' view that the world cannot return to the old normal, and emphasized the need for intensified international efforts to ensure no country is left behind in the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He encouraged coordinated multilateral actions under the "consolidation of international efforts in financing development in the COVID-19 era" framework.

Addressing the event participants, Tokayev underlined that decisive and sustainable recovery is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. He believes that 2021 offers opportunities to slow down rapid climate change and environmental degradation.

"It's crucial that the cause of environmental preservation is not used as a barrier to trade and investment. I reaffirm Kazakhstan's firm commitment to these ambitious undertakings," concluded President Tokayev.

Insights:

Kazakhstan aims for 80% of its electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2060.
The country is strengthening ties with international partners, like the Gulf states, to leverage their expertise in green energy innovation.
Technologies such as heat pumps and geothermal energy provide potential for heating smaller settlements, although large-scale applications remain a challenge.
Kazakhstan is developing technologies capable of capturing CO₂ emissions.
The country has adopted a Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060 and is engaging in national consultations to develop integrated policy strategies for sustainable development and green transformation.

[1] https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/kazakhstan-carbon-neutrality-2060/75037/[2] https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/jtefafrica2022d4_en.pdf[3] https://www.c Reserve Bank of India.org/writereaddata/files/pressreleases/meetings/2021/20211013.pdf[5] https://data.worldbank.org/country/kazakhstan

Science, particularly environmental science, plays a vital role in Kazakhstan's green recovery plans as they strive to decarbonize their economy and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The political landscape and policy-and-legislation are crucial in Kazakhstan's environmental policies, with President Tokayev advocating for intensified international efforts to combat climate-change and ensure sustainable development.
General news reports underscore Kazakhstan's commitment to environmental protection, including their collaboration with international partners for green energy innovation and the development of technologies to capture CO₂ emissions.