Climate change is an ever-present challenge facing humanity, and to respond effectively, Montenegro must prioritize climate diplomacy within its foreign policy. At the conference titled “Climate Diplomacy: From Global Frameworks to Local Impact”, Ivana Vojinović, Director of the Center for Climate Change at the University of Donja Gorica (UDG), stressed that simply declaring commitment to climate issues is no longer enough. Real action from decision-makers is essential.
The role of climate diplomacy
Experts at the conference underscored the potential of climate diplomacy to connect political decisions, scientific innovations, and public activism, offering solutions that can drive both energy and economic progress. Montenegro has the opportunity to become a regional leader in climate diplomacy, but this requires responsible and ambitious climate policies.
The urgent need for action
Vojinović highlighted that climate change is not just a distant problem but a daily reality, with global temperatures rising at unprecedented rates. She warned that these changes could lead to social and political tensions, particularly over scarce resources. The recent COP29 in Azerbaijan emphasized that climate diplomacy and action are crucial to achieving energy transition and climate neutrality.
She argued that climate diplomacy must become an integral part of Montenegro’s foreign policy to strengthen its international position and promote sustainable development. However, for this to happen, Montenegro’s decision-makers must prioritize climate change as a core concern. Vojinović noted that, despite declarations of commitment, there has been a lack of meaningful action on climate issues, with Montenegro falling behind on adopting key climate and energy plans.
Sluggish progress on climate policy
Vojinović pointed out that Montenegro has been slow to adopt essential documents, such as the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan and the National Energy and Climate Plan. The European Commission has repeatedly highlighted these delays, noting that Montenegro has made little progress on climate change in the past year. Vojinović stressed that Montenegro must accelerate its efforts to meet its international climate commitments, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Multilateral approach to climate action
German Ambassador to Montenegro, Peter Felten, emphasized the importance of a multilateral approach to climate diplomacy. He argued that all countries, including major greenhouse gas emitters, must be involved in reducing emissions to tackle the global climate crisis effectively. Felten also noted that transitioning to renewable energy would soon be more cost-effective than relying on fossil fuels.
The path forward: Renewable energy and EU integration
Ambassador Felten also stressed the need for immediate steps away from fossil fuels, greater energy efficiency and expanding renewable energy capacity. For Montenegro, this includes finalizing its first national energy and climate plan to fulfill its obligations to the Energy Community.
Snežana Radović, Director General for the EU at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that the EU’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is reflected in Montenegro’s commitments, particularly through its participation in the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Montenegro must align its policies with EU standards in sustainable development, environmental protection and climate change mitigation to meet its EU integration goals.
Investing in renewable energy
Radović emphasized that investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure could drive economic growth and create new jobs, particularly in sectors like agriculture. She added that Montenegro is working to finalize its National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, which will define the policies and measures needed to meet climate goals in the coming years.
Climate migration and future challenges
Vojinović also warned of the growing issue of climate migration. According to UN data, 3.6 billion people live in areas vulnerable to climate change, and in the past decade, 23 million people have been displaced due to its effects. By the end of the century, climate change could force 200 million people to migrate, making it a critical issue for global security.
Montenegro’s commitment to climate diplomacy and a more ambitious climate policy is essential for ensuring its sustainable future and positioning itself as a regional leader in the Western Balkans.
