North African oil-rich state highlights vulnerability to global warming and solar prospects in submission to UN deal
Much of Algeria is desert and it is getting drier with global warming (Flickr/albatros11)
By Megan Darby
Algeria has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 7% from business-as-usual by 2030.
This could increase to 22% with international support, the oil-producing state said in its contribution to a UN climate deal.
Africa’s largest country, home to 39 million people, also set out measures to cope with rampant desertification and heightened risk of weather extremes due to global warming.
Stressing its limited contribution to historic emissions and severe climate impacts already in evidence, the document called for “international solidarity”.
Counting on the oil and gas sector for around 35% of its GDP, Algeria said the pledge took into account the impact of recent low oil prices on its finances.
The region is also rich in sunshine, getting more than 2,500 hours a year. Algeria aims to generate 27% of electricity from solar and other renewable sources by 2030.
Along with policies in waste, transport and forestry, this will curb emissions that in 2010 made up 0.33% of the global total.
Rainfall in the mostly arid territory has fallen 30% in recent decades, according to the document, with drought and soil degradation driving farmers to move to cities.