Yes, Lithuania signed and ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016.

In December 2020 the EU submitted an updated NDC under which the EU and its Member States (including Lithuania), acting jointly, are committed to a binding target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.

The EU’s and its Member States' initial commitment was to meet the target of at least a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.

The Lithuanian climate change policy is developed in line with the targets and objectives laid down in the international agreements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the EU strategic documents and legislation. The main national strategic documents and programs which include targets and objectives related to climate change mitigation are: (i) the National Strategy for Climate Change Management Policy, (ii) Lithuania’s Progress Strategy 2030, (iii) The National Reform Programme, (iv) National Energy Independence Strategy. Targets and objectives of the climate change mitigation and adaptation are being mainstreamed into the sectorial development programs, such as the Multi-Apartment Building Renovation Programme, the Programme on the Increase of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings, the Action Plan on Energy Efficiency, the Programme on Investment promotion and Industrial Development, the National Programme for the Heating Sector Development, the National Programme on Renewable Energy Source Development, the National Programme on Transport Development, the State Waste Management Plan, the Rural Development Programme and other strategic documents.

The financial and economic support instruments directly or indirectly contributing to the management of climate change policy in Lithuania are e. g. performance and energy efficiency standards, the EU emissions trading system from which revenues of auctioned allowances are earmarked to the Climate Change Programme, Environmental tax, tax incentives, EU structural and investment funds.

The National Strategy for Climate Change Management Policy approved by the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania in 2012 lays down the targets and objectives for climate change mitigation and adaptation by 2050. The Strategy lays down indicative medium-term and long-term climate change mitigation targets that Lithuania will contribute towards, i.e. the implementation of the EU greenhouse gas emission reduction targets: reducing these emissions by at least 40% by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

The National Strategy for Climate Change Management Policy is being renewed and the updated strategy is expected to be approved in 2021.

The National Energy and Climate Action Plan for the period 2021–2030 have also been prepared in accordance with the requirements introduced under the Regulation on the governance of the energy union and climate action (EU/2018/1999). It has been prepared on the basis of and integrates the provisions, objectives, targets and measures implemented and planned in Lithuanian national legislation, international commitments, strategies and other planning documents.

The Mandatory Quality Indicators for Petroleum Products, Biofuels and Liquid Fuels used in the Republic of Lithuania approved by the Order No. 1-348/D1-1014/3-742 of the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, the Minister of Transport and Communications (hereinafter - Mandatory Quality Indicators) (it implements a number of EU directives) establish the allowable sulfur content of fuel oil, gas oil, marine fuel, liquid fuel, petrol, diesel fuel and liquefied petroleum gas, the quality parameters of fuels and biofuels, special pollution control conditions for their use as well as control measures for their supply to the market. Fuel oil, gas oil, petrol, diesel fuel, biofuels, liquid fuels and liquefied petroleum gas that meet the quality requirements set out in the Mandatory Quality Indicators may be used in the Republic of Lithuania. Under these Mandatory Quality Indicators e. g. trading in leaded petrol is prohibited in the Republic of Lithuania, except for trading in small quantities (up to 0,03 % of the total amount of petrol sold) with the consent of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Transport and Communications, to be used in certain types of vintage collector vehicles and supplied through interested groups; the use of marine fuel with sulfur content exceeding 3,5 % by mass (with the exception for fuel supplied to ships in closed systems using pollution abatement methods that comply with the relevant requirements) is prohibited in the Republic of Lithuania; the use marine fuel is prohibited in the territorial sea of the Republic of Lithuania, its exclusive economic zone, internal waters of the marine area and pollution control zones that fall within the SOx emission control areas if the sulfur content exceeds 0,1 % by mass; to place on the market in the Republic of Lithuania marine fuel with a sulfur content exceeding 1,5 % by mass and marine gas oils with a sulfur content exceeding 0,1% by mass; it is also prohibited to use in the Republic of Lithuania marine fuel with a sulfur content exceeding 0,1 % by mass in ships at berth in the ports of the Republic of Lithuania.

The Mandatory Requirements for the Quality of Natural Gas approved by Order No. 1-194 of the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania establish the quality parameters and composition of natural gas supplied to transmission or distribution systems of the Republic of Lithuania and consumer.

The main national strategic documents and programs which include targets and objectives related to climate change mitigation are presented in the answer to question 1. The National Strategy for Climate Change Management Policy approved by the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania in 2012 comes out to be one of the most important national strategic climate change documents. It is an integrated strategy, which covers both adaptations to climate change and climate change mitigation policies. The strategic goal of Lithuania's climate change adaptation policy as determined by the Strategy is to reduce the vulnerability of natural ecosystems and domestic economic sectors by implementing measures for maintaining and increasing their resilience to climate change and ensuring favourable conditions for social life and economic activities. Following guiding principles of the Strategy, sectorial ministries, municipal and other institutions within their remit are responsible for mainstreaming climate goals and objectives into sectoral strategies and programmes and implementing related measures in Lithuania.

Law on Financial Instruments for Climate Change Management. The Law stipulates the rights, duties and liability of the persons engaged in the economic activities resulting in GHG emissions as well as the sphere of competence of state institutions and bodies.

Other specific national climate change legislation (in most cases it implements and is in accordance with EU legislation) covers the following areas (detailed regulated mainly by numerous orders of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania separately or jointly with another minister, within their remit, in some cases – by resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania):

• Legislation in the area of fluorinated greenhouse gas;
• Regulation related to the Climate Change Programme and the use of the funds of this Programme;
• Legislation on greenhouse gas registry;
• Legislation on greenhouse gas accounting;
• Legislation in the area of emission trading scheme;
• Legislation on the display of information relating to the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of new passenger cars offered for sale to consumers;
• Legislation in the area of greenhouse gas of life cycle of fuel and energy;
• Legislation related to joint implementation projects and clean development mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol.

Lithuania takes part in the trading scheme in Kyoto units under the Kyoto Protocol. As a member of the EU, Lithuania also participates in the EU emission trading scheme.

Lithuania participates in the EU emission trading system. As of 1 July 2020 a motor vehicle registration tax is applicable for the registration of vehicles of categories of M1 and N1 depending on the type of used fuel and the amount of emitted CO2.

Carbon capture and storage are regulated by the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide which implements Directive 2009/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and amending Council Directive 85/337/EEC, European Parliament and Council Directives 2000/60/EC, 2001/80/EC, 2004/35/EC, 2006/12/EC, 2008/1/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006.

The Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide establishes the rights, duties and liability of persons in relation to the exploration, use and closing of geological carbon dioxide storage sites, national management of the geological storage of carbon dioxide, conditions of issue, extension and cancellation of permits for exploration of geological carbon dioxide storage complexes and conditions of issue, renewal and cancellation of permits for carbon dioxide storage on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, its special economic area and continental shelf, provisions related to the operation and closing of a carbon dioxide geological storage site and the period after closing of the carbon dioxide geological storage site, and the procedure of dispute settlement and international cooperation.

However, in addition, the changes to the Subsoil law were adopted in 2019 (came into effect on 1 July 2020) which prohibits the injection and/or storage of carbon dioxide in natural and/or artificial subsoil cavities and/or in aquifers.

According to article 3 of the Law on Energy from Renewable Sources, the use of renewable energy sources shall be promoted by applying the specified support scheme consisting of one or several support measures. The following are considered to be support measures:

1.  A price premium for production of electricity from renewable energy sources;
2. priority of transmission of energy from renewable sources; 
3. release of electricity producers from responsibility for the balancing of generated electricity and/or reservation of electricity-generating capacities during the support period. This support measure shall be applied to those producers of electricity from renewable sources that operate power plants of lower than 500 kW installed electric power; 
4. release of electricity producers from responsibility for the balancing of generated electricity and/or reservation of electricity-generating capacities. This support measure shall be applied to pilot wind farm projects with the installed electric power of no more than 3 MW or to pilot wind farm projects when a power plant consists of no more than 3 installations generating electricity; 
5. support for production and processing of agricultural commodities, namely, raw materials for the production of biofuels, biofuels for transport, bio-lubricants and bio-oils; 
6. the requirements in relation to mandatory use of renewable energy sources for energy production and/or mandatory consumption of energy from renewable sources, also the requirements for the use of biofuels for transport; 
7. support of investments in renewable energy technologies;
8. other preferences established by laws.

Modernization (renovation) of multi-apartment buildings. The aim of the measure is to reduce heating consumption in multi-apartment and public buildings. The financing for renovation (modernization) of multi-apartment and public buildings is provided from different financial schemes supported by Special Programme for Climate Change, JESSICA (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas) Holding Fund, and Energy Efficiency Fund.

Modernization of public buildings. The aim of the measure – to increase the energy efficiency of old public buildings.

Implementation of the Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings. Under the Building Technical Regulation STR 2.01.02:2016 "Design and Certification of Energy Performance of buildings“ additional rating definitions of low energy buildings, which are applicable to buildings of energy efficiency class B, A, and A+, and nearly zero energy buildings as A++ class buildings are introduced. All new buildings starting from 2021 shall fulfill nearly zero energy building requirements (should be of A++ energy efficiency class). All new public buildings starting from 2019 shall fulfill nearly zero energy buildings requirements (should be of A++ energy efficiency class).

Renewal of urban and suburban public transport fleets by promoting vehicles running on alternative fuels. Renewal of the public vehicle fleet with vehicles powered by alternative fuels and electricity is carried out. Also, the installation of infrastructure for alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas and electrical infrastructure such as stationary units in bus fleet areas.

Electrification of railways. Renewal of railway infrastructure: 814 km of the railway will be electrified and account for 70% of freight carriage by rail.

Implementation of sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMP). Implementation of measures in SUMPs that will promote walking, cycling, public transport and the use of alternative fuels.

Promotion of RES use in the transport sector. This measure intends to:

• Promote the use of advanced (generation II) liquid biofuels (biodiesel and bioethanol) not produced from food and feed crops, in line with sustainability criteria, by progressively increasing the obligation for fuel suppliers to blend them with mineral fuels.
• Promote the emergence of sustainable biomethane gas production and supply chain guarantees through regulatory and financial instruments by encouraging public transport fleets to use gas from renewable sources.
• Promote the biogas guarantees of origin market so that 100% of biogas producers are registered in the guarantees of origin register in 2030.

The Seimas approved the law on Alternative Fuels on 23 March 2021 (will come into effect on July 2021). Under the law, the transport sector will be encouraged to shift to electricity, biomethane and hydrogen, increasing the requirements for blending biofuels. It establishes clear directions for the development of alternative fuel vehicles and the infrastructure required for them.

Other measures, e.g. implementation of the objectives of the EU White Paper; developing and promoting economic and ecological driving skills; differentiation of the vehicle registration/re-registration charge according to the level of pollution; support for the purchase of commercial vehicles fuelled by liquefied natural gas; promoting the use of electric vehicles and developing the recharging infrastructure; an allowance for the purchase of electric vehicles.

Tax regulation mechanism: under the Law on Excise Taxes excise tax relief applies to transport biofuels produced from biomass. The excise tax rate is reduced in proportion to the percentage of biomass per tonne of biofuel. To be eligible under this support scheme, biofuels must comply with the mandatory statutory quality requirements and other requirements, standards and European norms; under the Law on Environmental Pollution Taxes natural or legal persons using biofuels in vehicles are exempt from environmental pollution tax on their mobile source emissions.

Promotion of the purchase of low-emission vehicles. Every natural person who purchases a lower emission car may receive a compensation allowance of 1000 Euros. The compensation allowance payment will come from the Climate Change Programme. Compensation to an individual might be given if they fulfill these criteria: they are supposed to have owned a Class M1 vehicle for at least 12 months period and this car must be delivered for disposal in accordance with the End-of-Life Vehicle Management Regulations; an application for compensation may be submitted only upon receipt of a certificate of destruction of the end-of-life vehicle and its registration in the Register of Road Vehicles of the Republic of Lithuania. The cars purchased under the scheme should not emit more than 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer, and the vehicles should have first been registered in the EU after January 1, 2013, and must not be powered by diesel.

The policies and measures in the industry sector are based on few main principles which are required in order to reach environmental targets. Firstly, the amount of its waste should be reduced, the production should be more sustainable, natural and energy resources should be used efficiently. Secondary, raw materials should be processed, the multi-use packaging and materials should be produced and utilized, waste (especially hazardous) should be securely managed, and equipment needed for environmental protection should be manufactured.

The main measures related to climate change mitigation in the industry sector:

Integrated pollution prevention and control permits and pollution permits. Industrial enterprises must apply for the integrated pollution prevention and control permit or pollution permit to ensure the quality of the environment. Natural resources must be used rationally and sparingly, energy use must be efficient and monitoring, and control must be performed for the substances and raw materials, fuel and energy consumption in the processes of production. Less hazardous materials are promoted to use in the process of industrial activities. National legislation in the area of Integrated pollution prevention and control permits and pollution permits implements Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control).

Limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds that are regulated by Order No. 620 of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania. The aim of this order is to reduce the direct and indirect impact of volatile organic compounds emissions (released by paints, solvents, adhesives and other products) on the environment, usually on the ambient air, and the potential risk on human health, by providing measures and procedures to be implemented in the activities referred to by this document, in case the activity exceeds the solvent consumption level prescribed in this normative document.

Implementation of the Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the fluorinated greenhouse gases and repealing Regulation (EC) No 842/2006. The existing national legislation in the area of fluorinated greenhouse gases is in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the fluorinated greenhouse gases and repealing Regulation (EC) No 842/2006. Orders of the Minister of Environment the Republic of Lithuania in the area of fluorinated greenhouse gases cover the following questions: ensuring the implementation of the requirements of the containment, use, recovery and destruction of the fluorinated greenhouse gases, establish the rules on the issuance of certificates for the companies handling fluorinated greenhouse gases, the training and attestation system for the employees engaged in the activities with the fluorinated greenhouse gases, the procedures for reporting on fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances, data collection and management, accounting of equipment and systems which contain these gases or materials. Fluorinated gases management undertakings are certified in Lithuania in accordance with the procedure established by the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Financial Instruments for Climate Change Management.

Lithuania also ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international agreement to phase down hydrofluorocarbons globally, in 2018. The implementation of the Kigali amendments also comes out to be one of the national measures related to climate change mitigation in the industry sector.

Agriculture:

In the agriculture sector, the main focus is on the more effective and precise use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers and the education of farmers. Another important mitigation action is the protection of waters against nitrate pollution, which contributes to reducing N2O emissions.

Implementation of the Council Directive of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (91/676/EEC) with the latest amendment by the Regulation (EC) No 1137/2008 of the European Parliament and the Council of 22 October 2008. The aim of the implementation – to reduced water pollution and the emissions of N2O.

Planned measures in the agriculture sector, e.g. realization of the recommendations of the code of good agricultural practices; granting of one-off compensatory support to farms for long-term commitments relating to climate change mitigation; improvement of mandatory requirements for the use of slurry and manure, balanced use of mineral fertilizers; promotion of environmentally friendly and sustainable farming methods, etc.

Land use:

Measures to minimize greenhouse gas emissions in the forestry sector:

Restoration of forestry potential and introduction of prevention actions. Lithuania’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 provides investment support for the restoration of forest damaged by fires and other natural disasters including pests and diseases, as well as support for the implementation of forest fire prevention measures.

Afforestation and restoration of the damaged forest. In order to reduce atmospheric pollution originated from agricultural activities and contribute to climate change mitigation as well as to reduce the area of the abandoned land, the afforestation of these lands and the restoration of damaged forests is supported.

Afforestation. Afforestation actions are supported by Lithuania’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. This measure aims for effective use of unproductive, unused and unsuitable for agricultural purpose land through support for afforestation. An increase in forest coverage strengthens ecosystems and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Afforestation improves environmental protection while preventing negative environmental actions and plays a significant role in climate change mitigation. In order to reach these objectives, according to this measure, support will be provided for afforestation activities in agricultural and non-agricultural land.

Measures adopted and planned in land use, land-use change, and forestry sector, i.e.:

• Restoration of forestry. Support restoration of forests damaged by fires and other natural disasters.
• Promotion of planting of short rotation coppices. The support for planting of short rotation coppices with an aim to produce biomass as a source of energy which partially replaces imported fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal).
• Afforestation/reforestation. This measure aims to provide support for afforestation/reforestation activities in unused land or land not suitable for agricultural use.
• Redevelopment of stands and shrubs; promotion of cultivation of cover crops; promote the use of biomass for energy production; restoration of wetlands in arable peatlands and protection of their perennial herbaceous vegetation cover, etc.

An increasing share of electricity generated from renewable energy sources:

• Support scheme for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources: electricity production from renewable energy sources is considered a public interest service. In order to develop the renewable electricity generation capacities in a sustainable and balanced way, state aid is provided under the rules and recommendations of the European Union. The support model is based on the principles of transparency and affordability, which are laid out in the National energy independence strategy. Moreover, the support scheme is based on the market model, meaning, that the electricity producers will be directly affected by the market changes. The support will be allocated through the competitive bidding procedures (technology-neutral auctions), priority will be given to the economically most efficient technologies available on the market. The support will be paid for the producers in a form of a market premium added to the day-ahead electricity market price.
• Financial support to electricity self-consumers from renewable energy sources. Lithuania promotes the activities of electricity self-consumers from renewable energy sources who are able to receive financial support for the installations from EU funds and the Climate Change Programme.
• Implementation of the projects of renewable energy sources cogeneration power plants (priority for Vilnius and Kaunas).

Different financial institutions have chosen a number of various measures with an aim to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of their customers and to help reduce climate impacts, e. g. decision not to directly finance any coal power plant and coal mining; decision to lower its exposure to coal producers in both its credit portfolio and fund holdings; a priority to finance investments in renewable energy and promote reductions in coal extraction and greenhouse gas emissions; in some cases risk management climate aspects are an integral part of credit analysis in corporate lending and are included in the evaluation of the customer’s strategy, business model and sustainability performance; increasing awareness of climate-related risks and opportunities; some banks apply special conditions to environmentally friendly car leasing agreements (a lower interest rate), in some cases the discount for Casco insurance might also be applicable together with leasing; supporting its customers in their efforts to reduce negative environmental impact and striving to identify opportunities associated with customers’ ambitions to choose sustainable solutions; supporting legacy customers in making environmentally beneficial improvements in their shift away from coal.

Any prominent climate change litigation cases have not occurred yet.

Since 2009 Special Program for Climate Change (starting January 1, 2019, Special Programme for Climate Change was renamed the Climate Change Programme) has been developed as it was determined in the Law on Financial Instruments for Climate Change Management. The Program aims to develop additional funding for climate change management measures. The Program funds are kept in a separate account of the State Treasury. The income and expenses of the Program are planned in the State budget according to the special principles of the funding program. One of the directions of the use of the funds of the Programme is the promotion of the use of renewable energy resources, the introduction of environment-friendly technologies, including efficient energy production by cogeneration. It also supports household renovation projects, energy efficiency measures and funds renewable energy installations in the older buildings.

Other measures for increase of energy efficiency in the energy sector:

Energy-saving agreements with energy companies. Under the Law on Energy Efficiency the electricity and gas transmission system and distribution network operators, which the state directly or through its controlled companies owned at least 1/2 of votes at the general meeting of shareholders of the shares obligate to enter into energy-saving agreements with the Ministry of Energy. Other energy companies can also enter into energy-saving agreements with the Ministry of Energy.

Implementation of an information campaign for consumer promotion and energy efficiency education. Agreements with energy suppliers on consumer education and advice are regulated by the Law on Energy Efficiency. According to them, energy suppliers are obliged to conclude agreements with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania on consumer education and counseling, the effect of which is to increase final energy efficiency.

Energy audits. The obligation for energy audits is provided in the Law on Energy Efficiency. Energy audits are compulsory only for large enterprises. During an energy audit, energy consumption in all buildings, installations, technological processes and vehicles that are owned by the large enterprise, form an integral part of the enterprise’s activities and are necessary to carry out those activities must be analyzed, provided that this is sufficient to evaluate the energy efficiency indicators and make it possible to reliably identify energy efficiency improvement measures.

Replacement of inefficient household boilers into more efficient technologies using renewable resources for heat production. The financial support for the replacement of inefficient heating boilers for more efficient heating installations, using renewable resources for heat production.

The main national measures are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the waste sector:

• Reduction of waste disposed of in landfills – development of a rational recovery of material and energy resources of waste: by 2020 recycling or another recovery of municipal waste shall be at least 65% of the total amount of waste; to ensure municipal biodegradable waste disposed of in landfills shall make up no more than 35% of municipal biodegradable waste generated in 2000; recovery of CH4 gas from landfills for energy production; incineration of waste in cogeneration plants.

Other legal acts related to greenhouse gas mitigation:

• The Law on Environmental Pollution Tax establishes taxpaying procedure and control. Its basic goals are: to employ economic measures for encouraging polluters to mitigate pollution of the environment, to pursue waste prevention and management, not to exceed the limits imposed on waste discharged into the atmosphere, and to accumulate income for the implementation of environment protection measures.
• Law on Ambient Air Protection is the main legal act harmonizing the general requirements in the area of air protection with those of the EU establishing the fundamental requirements for ambient air quality assessment and management and setting out the principles regulating ambient air pollution from mobile sources in Lithuania.
• Law on Environmental Monitoring sets the fundamental principles of environmental monitoring in Lithuania. The Law requires continuous and systematic observation of the state of the natural environment and its elements in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, systematization, evaluation and forecast of the spontaneous changes and the changes caused by an anthropogenic impact occurring in the natural environment, tendencies of changes in the natural environment and possible consequences. Information concerning the state of the natural environment required ensuring sustainable development, adoption of decisions regarding territorial planning and social development, for scientific and other needs are to be accumulated, analyzed and provided to state institutions and the public.