"With or without international cooperation Indonesia will remain consistent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GRK) by 26 percent by 2020," Hatta Rajasa said said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will remain committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 26 percent by 2020, chief economic minister Hatta Rajasa said here on Thursday.
"With or without international cooperation Indonesia will remain consistent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GRK) by 26 percent by 2020," he said on the sidelines of the 2nd National Summit on Climate Change.
He said the paradigm of industrialists has tended to be ignoring the environment while environmental destruction in the future could cause high cost economy.
He said this paradigm had to be changed in stages so that environmental preservation would be industries` main attention.
"We must change the paradigm. This is investment for the environment preservation," he said.
Hatta said economic growth must refer to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. He said if the growth target is set to rise consideration must also be taken on its impact on the environment.
Citing an example he referred to exploitation of minerals and energy. "Over exploitation that has the potential to cause a hike in greenhouse gases must be prevented," he said.
In view of that he said conversion of non-renewable to renewable energy sources and the use of more efficient technology must be boosted.
He said the government has so far taken a variety of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as through programs like the SIGN (national greenhouse gas inventory) center, Kehati (bio-diversity parks), "Menuju Indonesia Hijau" (towards green Indonesia), peat land management, "Rantai Emas" coast rehabilitation and the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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