Ukraine Adopts Climate Law, paving the Way for Climate Neutrality by 2050

8. October 2024
By Nataliia Vlasiuk

On October 8, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law “On the Basic Principles of the State Climate Policy”, which defines the key areas of the state’s climate policy, and its low-carbon development aimed at achieving climate neutrality.

Ukraine has taken a major step forward in addressing climate change with the adoption of its climate law. This law creates a solid legal framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change across all sectors of the economy. It sets the foundation for further climate initiatives and projects aligning the country with global efforts to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.  

The climate law outlines a set of measures for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It mandates the development of national and local including the Low Carbon Development Strategy, Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and sector-specific strategies to drive emissions reduction and enhance climate resilience.  

 As a key element of the Ukraine Facility Plan, which supports the country’s economy during the war, the law will help attract international financial resources. These funds will help accelerate green technologies and innovations supporting Ukraine’s sustainable economic growth and harmonising its legislation with European standards as part of European integration commitments. 

 The Ukrainian Climate Office, within Capacities for Climate Action project, provided the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine with substantial support in the development and preparation of the climate law. Its involvement has been instrumental in shaping this legislative milestone, which will serve as a blueprint for Ukraine’s climate policy in the years to come. 

*The Capacities for Climate Action (C4CA) project is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) within the framework of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and co-financed by the European Union.