Sofia, January 28 (BTA) - Bulgaria is one of Europe's countries to be seriously affected by the 1.5C global warming. According to current greenhouse gas emissions forecasts, Bulgaria will warm up by 4.4C by the year 2100, concluded the report of the environmental organization WWF Bulgaria and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The report was presented Friday by Thorsten Geissler, Director of the Foundation, Veselina Karakova, WWF Bulgaria Executive Director, and Apostol Dyankov, senior expert at WWF Bulgaria.

Precipitation in Bulgaria is expected to decrease by more than 20 per cent, according to the report, putting in danger the water supply of urban areas and agriculture. Wheat and corn harvests also expect a 20 per cent decrease, Dyankov noted.

According to the report, Bulgaria is facing a climate crossroads. More than 1.2C global warming from the pre-industrial period is already severely impacting food and water supplies, trade and manufacturing, national security and employment, educational, career, and health perspectives for young people in Bulgaria, the European Union, and the world.

Science and education, policies and regulations, business and innovations are needed to avoid the worst consequences, Dyankov stressed.

Report presenter Milya Dimitrova noted that several sectors, such as transport, agriculture, and the economy, need transformation. Bulgarian businesses have to significantly increase investments in solar energy and other renewable energy sources, zero-emission urban fleets, or even energy-efficient office buildings. Bulgaria has the highest energy intensity compared to all EU member states, using almost 400 kilograms of petrol for every 100 euro generated by its economy.

Three challenges need to be overcome to transform Bulgaria's economy into a climate-neutral one - the production and use of renewable energy, the reuse and recycling of raw materials and products, and the regeneration of natural ecosystems.

Dimitrova noted that Bulgarian businesses could buy 100 per cent renewable energy on the Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange from July 2020. She added that more companies will opt for green energy for heating and electricity if natural gas prices continue rising. PP/YV