Given the climate emergency, it is time for swift, pragmatic action: in short, efficiency.
On the initiative of Minister Neven, the Walloon Government approved on Thursday the operationalisation note for the 2030 Air Climate Energy Plan (PACE). Adopted in March 2023, the PACE is meant to lead Wallonia to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030.
Given the situation inherited by the new Walloon executive, one fact stands out: to date, only 13 of the 295 measures in this plan have been implemented, i.e. less than 5%. It is therefore urgent to step up the pace and secure real progress.
To this end, the methodology approved by the Government on Thursday will make it possible to:
- Identify the first priority measures to be launched from 2025;
- Assess existing measures and, where necessary, adapt them, in particular to meet new European requirements;
- Monitor the implementation of the plan (progress and impact of measures);
Furthermore, ahead of COP29, the Government approved Wallonia's contribution to international climate financing for 2025. This amount comes to €13 million. It is a contribution that developed countries commit to mobilising to help developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Cécile Neven, Minister for Climate: “With the cooperation of all members of this Government, I confirm my determination to act pragmatically and to ensure that Wallonia's adapted and prioritised PACE does not remain a catalogue of good intentions.”
Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of Wallonia: “The current situation requires that every decision in Wallonia provide a comprehensive and coherent response to the impacts of climate change. We must act with determination, but also with realism and efficiency, to turn the Air Climate Energy Plan into a genuine engine of concrete transformation that meets the climate and energy targets set by European regulation. By intensifying our efforts in a targeted and prioritised way, we will be able to secure a sustainable future for our region and future generations, while safeguarding the viability of our economy and our living environment.”