Initiatives towards climate change

by Zita Tverkute

Daily rational actions of experts and decision makers of local authorities in planning and implementing programmes aiming at reduction of climate changes are of great importance nowadays. Panevezys has the approved Action Plan for the Reduction of Climate Changes for 2006-2013. The strategic aspects of the above mentioned document are as follows:

• increase of green areas by 50%,
• promotion of bio-transport and the expansion of cycling paths (from 80 km in 2006 to 200 km until 2013),
• decrease of bio-waste in landfills by 98% till 2009 and by 100% till 2013,
• construction of a regional household waste landfill fulfilling the requirements of EU up to 2009,
• closing and re-cultivation of 186 regional small landfills which do not correspond the rules of EU,
• construction of incineration system of household waste and decrease in the amounts of methane(having the hugest impact on climate changes) up to 90%,
• sorting and recycling of waste and decreasing the areas of landfills (constantly),
• renovation programme of old blocks of flats, saving of energy production and use, reduction of air pollution of energy companies (constantly),
• promotion of use of bio-fuel in public transportation (up to 70% till 2013),
• promotion of use of bio-fuel in boiler houses using renewable energy resources (waste of wood processing, straw),
• education of inhabitants about the use of renewable energy (solar batteries at home, use of water and wind energy),
• promotion of local companies in applying modern technologies decreasing the use of energy (via tax system, environmental standards in companies),
• trainings, seminars for heads of companies, local politicians, decision makers on decrease of effects of climate changes and challenges in case of climate changes,
• contests for companies, schools, hospitals on best solutions in escaping climate changes), publication of annual magazine about the actions in decreasing climate changes, monthly informational stand in the city centre and 2 advertising information displays,
• European Mobile Weeks and CAR FREE DAYS.