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Despite lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita than Western Europe, Kosovo still faces a significant challenge in terms of climate mitigation due to its high dependency on fossil fuel combustion in the energy sector. At present, 92.9% of electricity in Kosovo is generated by two coal-fired power plants which are operating well beyond their lifespan. Additionally, the vast majority of inhabitants do not have access to central heating systems and rely either on electricity, biomass or coal for heating purposes during the winter and on electricity for cooling during summer. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to environmental degradation, particularly in the form of air pollution and soil and water contamination.

The emissions from coal-fired power plants and residential heating play a major role in degrading the air quality in Kosovo posing risks to public health and the environment. Urban areas are particularly affected due to the high density of inhabitants, rapid and unregulated urbanization, and an increased presence of vehicles. Exposure to air pollution concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5), exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline value of 10 μg/m³ and the European Union (EU) limit value of 25 μg/m³.  According to World Bank 2019 estimations, about 760 people die prematurely every year in Kosovo because of exposure to air pollution. The estimated economic cost associated with mortality from exposure to air pollution in Kosovo is in the range of US$160–US$310 million, equivalent to 2.5–4.7% of GDP.

The energy sector’s reliance on fossil fuels also leads to soil and water contamination. To date, Kosovo does not have a hazardous waste management and treatment system in place. Active operations of Kosovo Energy Company (KEC) and other industrial activities are a source of such pollution via the generation of industrial waste and disposal of the latter in landfills. According to the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency (KEPA), 2,096,118 tons of industrial waste were generated in 2019 alone.

For Kosovo to reach its full potential, UNDP Kosovo is committed to supporting transitioning to a model of growth that is inclusive and within planetary boundaries in terms of production and consumption. Through the green transition, new jobs can be created, and Kosovo will be able to move to a net zero carbon development path. UNDP supports Kosovo in reducing poverty and inequalities, creating sustainable employment, ensuring protection and sustainable use of natural resources, and building resilience to climate risks. Tackling climate change and building resilient societies requires focus on green transition, end the use of fossil fuels and mainstream climate in all financial and policy decisions. UNDP works with Kosovo institutions, local communities, the private sector, the academia and CSOs to develop strategic approaches that focus on transitioning to circular economy, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting sustainable businesses, green urban planning, and nature-based solutions.

Given the fact that Kosovo is not a party to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, it is not eligible to access vertical funds (e.g., GCF, GEF) to implement more climate change projects. Neither is it required to submit NDCs and related targets for 2030. However, in 2021 the government initiated a discussion with international stakeholders to set voluntary NDCs Kosovo has already taken important steps in this regard specifically with the signing of the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda in November 2020. With the adoption of the Green Agenda for Western Balkans, Kosovo pledged to work alongside the EU to become carbon-neutral by 2050. An important milestone for the decarbonization of the energy sector was reached with the adoption of the Energy Strategy 2022-2031 as well as with the drafting of the “National Energy and Climate Plan” (NECP) which was submitted in the form of a first draft to the Energy Community. In addition to this, Kosovo has prepared the Law on Climate Change and has established the Kosovo Climate Change Council (KCCC) as a body responsible for coordinating and promoting climate change policies and actions across different sectors. These processes have been supported by UNDP through various initiatives including capacity building, knowledge sharing and technical assistance.

UNDP is supporting the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure in developing the National Adaptation Strategy. This strategy aims to enhance the country’s resilience to climate change, reducing its adverse effects on society. The activity will also result on a three-year action plan that will outline key priorities, address financial gaps, and identify critical areas for intervention. The efforts will also look into how climate policies might impact gender equality, focusing on addressing gender gaps and overcoming structural barriers within the context of climate adaptation.

In overall, to prevent Kosovo from falling behind the region, the green transition process requires strong coordination with existing development partners’ projects in the sector.

• The Green Transition Analyst has a direct impact on the implementation of the project and the achievement of results. Specifically, the results have an impact on the planning, implementation, and coordination of project activities in order to meet expected results, management of partnerships, and monitoring and reporting of results.

The Green Transition Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Portfolio Manager for Inclusive Growth and Climate Resilience. The Green Transition Analyst will coordinate the work of Project Associate and ensure qualitative implementation and monitoring of activities, and collaborate closely with partners, stakeholders and contractors.