Oct 14, 2024 – Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has issued a stark warning about the escalating climate crisis, following what has been recorded as the hottest summer in the country’s history. This year has seen an alarming increase in droughts and a growing shortage in freshwater supplies, prompting calls for urgent action to combat the environmental threats.
In a recent statement, Kurti said that Kosovo is stepping into a “critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis globally.” He noted that this year’s extreme temperatures have pushed the country to its limits, with the combination of prolonged heat and drought having a significant impact on agriculture, freshwater resources, and daily life.
Experts warn that Kosovo’s vulnerability to climate change has been compounded by the region’s already fragile infrastructure and limited resources. The droughts, which have been exacerbated by rising global temperatures, have placed stress on the country’s rivers and reservoirs, threatening the availability of drinking water and irrigation for crops.
This year’s record-breaking summer follows a growing trend of climate-related anomalies in Kosovo. With the global climate crisis accelerating, Kurti has called on both local and international stakeholders to prioritise the protection of the environment and sustainable development.
Kosovo’s government is under increasing pressure to implement adaptive strategies to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. The challenges faced by the country are mirrored by similar concerns across the Balkans, where climate change is amplifying environmental and economic issues.
As the situation worsens, international organisations such as UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have called for greater investments in renewable energy, water conservation, and climate resilience measures. The hope is that these efforts will help Kosovo and its neighbours better withstand the coming challenges.
Kurti’s remarks come at a time when many governments worldwide are dealing with the growing urgency of climate change.
