With approving three new the MIC include two 30 MW solar power projects in Sagaing Region on 30th December, 2020, the Union Government has taken a step in the new year towards a sustainable and green economy future.

The solar power projects are in keeping with the commitment made by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to tackle climate change in her address to the virtual Climate Ambition Summit held on 12 December 2020.

The recently permitted five projects including two solar power projects will bring about 400 job opportunities.

It reflects that we can restart our economy and create the jobs and industries of the future that can benefit everyone while fighting against the climate crisis.

It is worth noting that our country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aims to reduce over 243 million tonnes of CO2 by increasing the share of renewable energy to 39% and reducing the net emission from the forestry sector by 25%.

Myanmar has adopted precise and decisive frameworks since 2019 to carry out every development programme, in accordance with policies and strategies that are harmonized to combat climate change.

Also, we are making efforts for mitigating and adapting to climate change to ensure that our present and future generations are resilient and can adapt to changing circumstances resulting from climate change.

Understanding that nature-based solutions are answer to achieving climate goals, Myanmar has targeted to reduce 105.2 million tCO2e in energy sector and 123.6 million tCO2e in forestry subsection respectively, and the Myanmar’s National Adaption Plan for climate change is projected to be completed by 2024.

With regard to expansion of carbon sink, the national targets to increase the Protected Area Systems to cover 10% of total national land. In addition, Myanmar is committed to preserving 0.59 million hectares of Reserved Forests and engaging in management of 0.25 million hectares of plantations in public and private land in line with the Myanmar Reforestation and Rehabilitation (2017-2027).

Regarding energy efficiency, Myanmar’s objective to improve 7.8% in residential sector, 6.6% in the industrial sector, 4% in the commercial sector and 1.36% in other sectors by 2030.

A programme is being planned to distribute 5.1 million of fuel-efficient stoves to reduce a cumulative emission of approximately 5.99 million tCO2e during 2021-2030 in Myanmar.

While listening to nature, we will continue to fight the climate crisis by giving priority to climate change in our economic recovery plans post Covid-19.