Energy and the environment
Environmental issues related to energy are the operation and upcoming decommissioning of the Nuclear Power Plant of Ignalina and Radioactive Waste. Further, refinery installations, transport and the storage of hydrocarbons are polluting coastal waters, contaminating the soil and emitting VOC.
70% of wetland habitats have been destroyed in the past 30 years. Restoration of exploited peatbogs and the threat to wetland habitats by further exploitation of peat reserves are another environmental issue. [ UNECE ]
CO2-Emissions per Capita of Lithuania, as compared to other countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Austria and the European Union 15, 2007
Lithuania has signed (1998), and ratified (2003) the Kyoto Protocol. According to it, Lithuania must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 8% over the 2008-2010 period (compared to the situation of 1990). In 2004, CO2 emissions were 60% lower than their 1990 level because of the sharp fall in consumption in the early nineties. In the most recent years, the emissions have increased significantly (+18% between 2003-2004). [National Green Gas Inventory Report]
Air pollution
Due to the economic recession and the fact that only little of the energy is currently produced in the thermal power plants, the air pollution situation is comparable to that of western European countries.
The situation is due to change after the planned closure of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in 2009, since it is planned to replace the electricity production of the Ignalina NPP with heavy fuel oil which is burned int Lithuanian Power Plant in Elektrenai.
