ZAGREB, July 8, 2020 - Eighty civil society organisations, energy agencies and institutions on Wednesday called on the newly-elected parliamentary deputies to ensure a strong transition to low-carbon development and job creation, as well as green and sustainable development.
The period ahead will be marked by recovery from one of the biggest health and economic crises in recent history, which will require the cooperation of all social stakeholders, the organisations say.
"It is right now that we have the opportunity to make investments that will strongly encourage the development of our own resources - investments in people, sustainable and renewable domestic energy sources, domestic industry and farming, innovations and in the quality of life in the cities," said Luka Tomac of the Green Action, noting that the EU gave various subsidies for the green economy.
Another activist, Ivana Rogulj, said that development and investment decisions and actions to be launched in the next six months would define Croatia's development over the next ten years, including possible action to reduce carbon emmissions.
The activists also called for harmonising the Low-Carbon Development Strategy with the EU's Green Deal, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 or stopping the development of fossil fuel-based industries.
They also called for budget funds to be redirected to encourage energy efficiency, renewables and the fight against energy poverty, as well as for the comprehensive and low-carbon reconstruction of properties damaged in the March 22 earthquake in Zagreb.
Representatives of the civil society groups are expected to start dialogue with the new government in September.
