Croatia and Bosnia urge stronger climate steps on World Environment Day

On World Environment Day, Croatia’s Ministry of Environment and Green Transition warned that climate change is intensifying impacts on society and the economy. The ministry highlighted that the past three years were the warmest on record, noted a rise in extreme weather, and outlined national priorities such as expanding green urban areas, using AI‑based early‑fire detection, and finalising a National Nature Restoration Plan. It reported a 20 % reduction in greenhouse‑gas emissions since 1990, a 40 % drop in emission intensity, and aims for 76 % of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, while targeting a 62 % emissions cut by 2030.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ombudsman for Human Rights said the number of complaints concerning environmental rights rose sharply, with 31 cases recorded last year – 14 more than the previous year. The complaints focus on air‑pollution, issuance of environmental permits, waste‑dump management, and protection of river fisheries. The Ombudsman stressed that air pollution remains a major public‑health threat and announced a special report on the country’s air‑quality situation, urging better communication with environmental NGOs and stronger enforcement of existing laws.