Beirut: The Ministry of Environment today launched its landmark Climate Policy Package at the Grand Serail under the patronage of the President of the Council of Ministers H.E. Mr. Nawaf Salam, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The package brings together three national strategies, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP 2025-2035), the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the comprehensive climate roadmap aims to reduce emissions, expand renewable energy, and strengthen resilience to climate shocks in Lebanon. The launch event saw participation from government officials, international partners, and civil society representatives, including H.E. Mr. Nawaf Salam; President of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Dr. Tamara Elzein, Minister of Environment; Ms. Sandra De Waele, EU Ambassador to Lebanon; Mr. Tarcsio Costa, Ambassador of Brazil to Lebanon; Mr. Imran Riza, UN Resident Coordinator; and Ms. Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative. This collaboration highlights Lebanon's commitment to accelerate climate action and reaffirm its Paris Agreement obligations under the UNFCCC.
President of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Mr. Nawaf Salam, emphasized that climate change is a central issue for Lebanon, affecting the lives, economy, and security of its citizens. He noted the visible impacts, such as spreading droughts, diminishing water reservoirs, shorter winters, and seasonal floods. Minister of Environment Tamara El Zein announced the completion of an updated institutional vision, transforming the Ministry into the Ministry of Environment and Climate.
Lebanon, although a minimal contributor to global emissions, ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries. Climate impacts currently cost an estimated 5% of GDP annually, with projections rising to 32% by 2080. In 2023 alone, heat stress resulted in USD 1.3 billion in productivity losses, impacting over 110,000 jobs in various sectors.
The package aims to turn climate risk into an opportunity for resilience and growth. UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Blerta Aliko stressed the importance of a sustainable development plan for Lebanon, focusing on clean energy and other key sectors to reduce emissions and promote inclusive green growth.
The Government is prioritizing the adoption of a new Climate Change Law and establishing the Lebanon Green Investment Facility (LGIF) as a central vehicle for mobilizing climate finance. These initiatives aim to reduce investment risks, unlock financing for clean energy and infrastructure, and deliver tangible benefits for communities.
Projections indicate that every USD 1 invested could generate over USD 5 in returns, showcasing the economic potential of climate-driven reforms. Following the launch, ministerial and stakeholder roundtables discussed mainstreaming climate action across ministries, the proposed Climate Change Law, and investment opportunities in renewable energy and green infrastructure.