The Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) sets out a comprehensive legal and policy framework that positions climate action as a central pillar of economic recovery, in line with sustainable development objectives. It highlights the potential for sustained GDP growth driven by the transition to a low-emission economy. By 2050, the Strategy projects clear socio-economic gains under both reform and non-reform scenarios, including higher disposable incomes, reduced poverty, and increased employment. It supports these outcomes through targeted investments in renewable energy, sustainable transport, reforestation, and climate-smart agriculture. The LT-LEDS therefore functions as both a climate policy and an economic roadmap for Lebanon, establishing a pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century while advancing national development priorities. It also identifies priority actions across key sectors—such as energy, agriculture, transport, and industry—to ensure coherent implementation, while aligning with broader structural reforms despite existing fiscal and institutional constraints. The Strategy is built around 3 core pillars (1) achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 (with negative emissions targets); (2) generating strong economic growth; (3) and mobilizing the required investments. It projects significant economic benefits, including a 42–53% increase in GDP and higher per capita income compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Although it requires substantial investment, the Strategy is economically viable, delivering high long-term returns with benefits far exceeding costs. The Strategy calls for sectoral actions and targeted investments in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport, and water, ensuring that each sector contributes to economic growth while addressing sustainability and climate resilience. In particular, (i) in the Energy Sector, the document prioritizes renewable energy, targeting 500 MW of solar and wind capacity in the short term and 100% renewable electricity by 2050. It also promotes energy efficiency and electric vehicle adoption, while aiming to modernize the grid and phase out fossil fuels to reduce costs and import dependence; (ii) in the Agricultural Sector, the Strategy promotes sustainable agriculture through drip irrigation, climate-resilient crops, and farmer training. Long-term goals include full adoption of sustainable practices, increased domestic food production, and expanded agroforestry to strengthen food security and climate resilience; (iii) in the Transport Sector, the Strategy introduces short-term measures such as Bus Rapid Transit systems, expanded bike lanes, and stricter vehicle emission standards. In the long term, it aims to build a national public transport network and fully electrify public transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality; (iv) in the Water Sector, the LT-LEDS focuses on implementing integrated water resource management practices, repairing and upgrading water infrastructure to reduce losses by 20%, and conducting national water conservation campaigns. Long-term goals include ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply, developing large-scale water storage and distribution projects, and achieving 100% wastewater treatment and reuse; (v) in the Tourism Sector, the Strategy aims to transform tourism into a sustainable, climate-resilient sector through eco-friendly infrastructure, digitalization, and public-private partnerships. It promotes green certification, net-zero goals, and diverse tourism models while preserving natural and cultural heritage and supporting economic growth. Lebanon’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) incorporates (i) gender-responsive strategies by emphasizing inclusive stakeholder engagement and capacity-building programs at national and local levels; (ii) Governance and institutional coordination, strengthening policy alignment and implementation capacity; (iii) technology and innovation, promoting digitalization and modern, low-emission solutions; (iv) capacity building and skills development, equipping the workforce and institutions for the transition; (v) environmental protection, including emissions reduction and sustainable resource management; (vi) social inclusion and equity, ensuring benefits are distributed fairly and improve overall well-being.
Lebanon · 2025-01-01