Mitigation and adaptation measures to climate change in the Republic of Serbia: Implementation and challenges of the Paris Agreement

Abstract

Climate change represents one of the key challenges of modern society, with significant impacts on the environment, economic activities, and public health. As a signatory of the Paris Agreement, the Republic of Serbia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to the negative effects of climate change. This paper analyzes the set of mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change in the Republic of Serbia, with particular focus on their level of implementation and the challenges in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement. In the context of mitigation, energy transition policies, improvements in energy efficiency, a higher share of renewable energy sources (RES), and reductions in emissions in the energy, transport, and industrial sectors are discussed. Adaptation measures include rational management of water resources, adjustment of agriculture to climate risks, reduction of risks from extreme climatic events, and strengthening institutional capacities. The paper highlights key challenges, particularly: 1) limited financial resources, 2) insufficient cross-sectoral coordination, 3) regulatory and legal obstacles, 4) inadequate cooperation among institutions at the national, regional, and local levels, and 5) the need to improve monitoring, early warning, and reporting systems. Overall, despite the progress achieved, further alignment of national policies with the objectives of the Paris Agreement is necessary to ensure sustainable and climate-resilient development of the Republic of Serbia.