At the meeting, the global issues connected with climate change and energy efficient economic activities were discussed. Ergma pointed out that it is possible to find solutions to all these problems only when all great powers of the world are involved. Ergma remarked that Estonia has fulfilled its obligations and has behaved responsibly in solving these issues.

 

The President of the Riigikogu stressed the importance of oil shale production in Estonia and the need to include it in the industrial sectors threatened by carbon leaks in the European Union Emission Trading Scheme. Ergma pointed out that on the neighbouring country Russia that is just across the border oil shale is also mined and processed. If this important fact is not taken into account, shale oil production in Estonia might stop. Production with its investments would move to the other side of the border, to Russia.

 

The Commissioner for Climate Action informed the President of the Riigikogu that, at present, the European Commission is dealing with the issue of determining the emissions quota they consider optimal for Estonia.

 

Chairman of the Riigikogu Environment Committee Mart Jüssi, who participated in the meeting, presented Hedegaard the report of the Climate and Energy Working Group of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. Jüssi was the head of this working group. The report contains a survey of the energy and climate priorities and offers concrete solutions to the current situation.

 

The Riigikogu Press Service