Croatia adopts low-carbon strategy: emissions to be reduced 80% by 2050

The Low-Carbon Development strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 with an outlook to 2050 envisages a reduction of emissions from the 1990 level under two scenarios: 33,5 by 2030 and 56,8% 2050 according to the first one, and by 36,7% by 2030 and 73,1 or 80% by 2050 according to the latter.

Climate neutrality by 2050 (the Net Zero Emissions Scenario) is difficult to achieve according to the currently available knowledge and technologies, according to the strategy, which was adopted by the Croatian parliament.

According to the document, as a part of the EU, the country shares the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 that was determined within the European Green Deal.

Croatia will prepare a net zero emissions scenario when the details of the implementation of EU climate targets are declared

When all the implications of the EU’s common goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 on sectoral policies are presented, it will be possible to complete the zero-emission scenario for Croatia, the strategy underlines.

According to the strategy, the temperature in Croatia will rise 1.3 – 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040, and 2.2 – 2.5 degrees by 2070.

There are major challenges in achieving the goals of the more ambitious scenario, which envisages an emissions reduction of 80% by 2050

The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development announced there are great challenges for achieving the goals of the more ambitious scenario from the strategy, which envisages an emissions reduction of 80% by 2050 from the volume registered for 1990, but that analysis shows investments and implementation of measures outlined in the strategy would bring growth to the economy.

The ministry said its climate activities directorate and its partners are drafting a five-year action plan for the implementation of the strategy and that it would include measures to achieve greater emission reductions by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Two scenarios

The NU1 scenario envisages a cut in emissions of 33.5% by 2030, and of 56.8% by 2050. It would enable Croatia to fulfill its obligation to achieve the level set for sectors outside the EU Emissions Trading System by 2030.

Scenario NU2 shows a similar trend of reducing emissions as in scenario NU1 for 2030, reaching 36.7%. However, after 2040 the drop would be faster and reach 73.1% by 2050 with currently known technologies, or 80% with those that will be developed, the strategy reads.