Tatev Lazarian
In the face of a rapidly changing climate, countries around the world are racing against the clock to meet their climate promises. Armenia, though small in size, is positioning itself as a bold actor in the global fight against climate change. From renewable energy breakthroughs to surging electric vehicle imports, the country is making strides toward its ambitious climate targets.
But as the world moves toward a greener future, the path forward is not without its challenges. In a candid interview with Diana Harutyunyan, Climate Change Programme Senior Adviser at UNDP Armenia, we discussed the concrete steps Armenia has taken to stay on track with its climate commitments, the hurdles it still faces, and the crucial role of the youth in shaping the country’s climate destiny.
A Green Revolution in Progress
Armenia’s current climate action plan and commitment under Paris Agreement, known as Nationally Determined Contribution or NDC-2, is primarily focused on transforming the country’s energy sector, which is critical not only to reducing emissions but also to reshaping the future of transportation. Dr. Harutyunyan highlighted three pivotal actions that have already set Armenia on a sustainable path:
- Renewable Energy Surge: Armenia has outperformed its own forecasts for increasing renewable energy share in generation, achieving milestones set for 2024 years ahead of schedule.
- Electric Vehicle Adoption: Thanks to government incentives, the import of electric vehicles has skyrocketed, with more than 20,000 EVs hitting the roads between 2021 and 2024. Yerevan municipality plans for increasing share of electrical transportation means.
- Energy Efficiency Gains: The building and industrial sectors have seen significant improvements through updated building codes, state-backed financial incentives, Green Climate Fund flagship project and targeted lending programs.
These achievements represent significant steps in the right direction, but the journey is far from over.
Overcoming the Roadblocks: NDC-3 and the Next Phase
As Armenia prepares its third NDC for 2025-2035, Harutyunyan acknowledged the challenges in setting concrete targets, especially as some sectors still lack long-term strategies. Stakeholder consultations are ongoing, and data from the second NDC is being carefully reviewed to fine-tune the next steps in this ambitious climate roadmap.
The Power of Youth: Armenia’s Next Climate Leaders
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of Armenia’s climate strategy is its focus on the younger generation. Harutyunyan stressed the importance of youth involvement in environmental education and climate action. From school programs to, vocational education to university-led projects, young Armenians are already playing an active role in shaping the country’s climate future.
“The future of climate action lies in the hands of youth” Harutyunyan said. “We’re seeing a growing emphasis on digital tools and AI, areas where young people have the potential to lead, green job opportunities are surging. By working with universities and fostering innovation, we are laying the groundwork for a new generation of climate leaders”.
May 06, 2025 at 19:19