The Peruvian Government on Wednesday set up a High-Level Multisectorial Work Group (MWG) responsible for the implementation of measures to face climate change in the country, it was reported.
For the first time in Peru, the said group involves articulated efforts of 13 State Ministries, as well as the National Center for Strategic Planning (Ceplan).
The ceremony was held at Lima's Government Palace in the presence of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Prime Minister Fernando Zavala.
The MWG will be in charge of revising over 100 climate change adaptation and mitigation actions in order to prepare the country against extreme weather and climate events.
Measures also aim to reduce Peru's greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and to steer the country towards a new competitive and sustainable approach to development.
"Peru contributes to the global goal of limiting the planet's average temperature rise to less than 2°C through adaptation and mitigation measures," Environment Minister Elsa Galarza affirmed.
Said actions represent "the commitment taken by the country after ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016."
"Our goal is to reduce emissions by 20% through initiatives implemented with public and private resources. An additional 10% is conditional on getting international support," Galarza stressed.
Climate change MWG
The said work group will have 18 months to prepare a roadmap for the said purposes.
The commission is comprised of the following ministries: Environment (Chair); Foreign Affairs; Agriculture and Irrigation; Economy and Finance; Energy and Mines; Transport and Communications; Production; Housing, Construction and Sanitation; Health; Education; Development and Social Inclusion; Culture; Women and Vulnerable Populations; as well as Ceplan.
Members will later invite other public, private and civil society bodies and institutions to join the cause and contribute to achieving the said goal.
In addition to mitigating and building resilience to climate change, the measures will contribute to the country's sustainable development, thus leading to better living conditions for all Peruvians.
This will be done by generating rural-inclusive employment, upgrading energy security, stabilizing ecosystems, improving air quality and protecting biodiversity, among other actions.
Thus, the Peruvian government calls upon all sectors of society to take on a real commitment in the face of climate change.
(END) NDP/MAO/DHT/MVB