Ministry makes ready for climate to change

Photo: Küllike Rooväli / Postimees

In a few decades, climate change may plague Estonia with increased amounts of floods and storms, as well as hundreds of unnecessary deaths a year. The first step to adjust is to become aware. 

«A glance at the picture of the world these past years regarding the various natural phenomena and catastrophes reveals that the picture has grown ever worse. These extraordinary events keep multiplying and the scientists very clearly agree that the climate is changing and that something needs to be done about it,» underlines environment ministry vice chancellor Meelis Münt.

The ministry admits that in Estonia the level of awareness has hitherto been low, and partly the ministry is to blame. As compared to Western-European nations, we have a long way to go. «While it used to feel distant and incomprehensible, actually the changes concern us all,» says Mr Münt.

Now, however, t is as if an alarm has gone off at the ministry and a whopping two vital documents are in preparations – one setting in place the foundations of Estonian climate policy, the other preparing us for climate change and for adjustment to these.

Changes in energy sector

As shown by a recent study by Estonian scientists, summertime heat waves occur increasingly often and may by end of the century add thousand deaths a year. The average temperature is on the rise all over the world as largely caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

As admitted by Mr Münt, Estonian state’s arms will be short to halt such large-scale change, as the harmful gases are sent into the air the world over as impacting the natural balance. What the state can do is employ measures to reduce the CO2 emissions and the load will first and foremost fall on the energy sector.

Indeed, by 2050 Estonia intends to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 80 percent from the level of 1990. «The energy sector will surely have to undergo change,» says Mr Münt, with conviction. «It the goal is to reduce the emissions, it’s the choice between lowering production volumes or become cleaner.» Mr Münt claims the energy sector is willing to change.

Meanwhile, consumers should be blessed to know that in 2050 the heat and electricity bills will be a bit lower – believed the vice chancellor.

Consuming on account of future

Though on the one hand it is nature itself that lets us know of the change – by the increase of floods and storms – the common climate policy aims to ensure people living here in 2100 the same benefits as enjoyed by us.

«We are consuming the resources we have and aren’t thinking too much about leaving them for the future generations as well,» explains Mr Münt. «We are not living sustainably.» He hopes our children and grandchildren must not suffer fur us so abundantly consuming fossil fuels, applying intensive agriculture and overuse/pollute water.

«If we don’t do anything it is very difficult for us to demand that others do something,» continues Mr Münt, admitting that while the alleviating of the problems is global, adjustment is local.

And in order to adjust, anyone can do something, beginning by getting aware.

«In Estonia, the problem is that just a tiny group knows what is being done internationally; a bit larger bunch knows what the large sectors need to do; and very few know how to take the message to their kids or acquaintances,» said Mr Münt. 

FUTURE CLIMATE IN ESTONIA

Though not as extreme as in many other places, weather is bound to change as related to climate change.

Temperatures rising result in:

National health deteriorating,

Decrease of ice and snow,

Summertime periods of heat, drought and extreme rain,

Flora altered,

Arrival of foreign species including plant pests and disease agents,

Unfrozen and excessively moist forest land, resulting in restrictions to tree cutting,

Increased tourism sector volumes in summer.

Increased rain results in:

More floods,

Increased volumes of drainage systems and dams maintenance,

More work securing river banks,

Need to relocate buildings,

More pumping in mines.

Sea level rise results in:

Danger to embankments and structures,

Need to relocate buildings.

More storms bring:

New requirements regarding resilience of structures and power lines.