Second National Communication (1998).pdf

Estonia's second national report under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change provides an overview of the country's national circumstances, including its geography, economy, and energy production. The report notes that Estonia is located on the southern slope of the Baltic Shield, with a total area of 45,216 km2 and a population of 1,575,000 inhabitants. The country's economy is undergoing restructuring, with a shift from a centrally planned economy to a market economy, and a decrease in the share of manufacturing and agriculture in GDP.

The report also discusses Estonia's greenhouse gas (GHG) budget from 1990 to 1996, which shows a significant decrease in GHG emissions during this period. The total CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption decreased by 43% between 1990 and 1996, with the largest reductions coming from imported fuels such as natural gas, coal, and heavy fuel oil. The report attributes this decrease to the transition to a market economy, which led to an increase in fuel prices and a decline in the Eastern market.

Additionally, the report highlights Estonia's rich renewable natural resources, including forests, which cover about 19,200 km2 of the country's territory, and peatlands, which cover approximately 10,000 km2. The report notes that these ecosystems are important not only for Estonia but also for Europe and the world, and that they are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The report also discusses the effects of climate change in Estonia, including the potential impacts on agriculture, forestry, water resources, and coastal resources. It notes that Estonia is likely to experience an increase in temperature and precipitation, which could lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species, as well as an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of Estonia's national circumstances and its efforts to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.