About the Ministry

The Ministry of Climate is in the literal sense the most nature-friendly ministry of Estonia.

Estonian natural values and resources form a national wealth, which shall be used sustainably. The task of the Ministry of Climate is to create such prerequisites and conditions which ensure us and the following generations diverse nature and clean living environment as well as the sustainable use of natural resources.

The Ministry of Climate of Estonia focuses on enhancing the living environment while taking into consideration environmental protection. The Ministry’s work ensures sustainable development and responsible economic growth, considering both current and future generations.

Green shift and climate policy, including carbon markets and green technologies, are at the centre of the Ministry’s activities in combatting climate change. The focus is on climate goals and climate adaptation, balancing a broad range of diverse topics related to biodiversity, energy, mobility and transport, construction, housing, maritime affairs and much more.

The advancement of the living environment, including housing policy and construction sector, is steered by quality principles set by the New European Bauhaus initiative, the Davos process, and the national agreement on quality goals. In terms of biodiversity, the Ministry engages in nature conservation, reduction of industrial emissions, forestry, marine and aquatic environment protection, and environmental monitoring.

In the energy sector, the focus is on energy efficiency, renewable energy development, and energy economics, as well as ensuring supply security. The field of mobility and transport includes road maintenance, aviation, and railway priorities. To promote circular economy, priority is given to effective waste management.

The Ministry of Climate exists in all places over Estonia. The area of government of the ministry include The Environmental Board, The Environmental Inspectorate, Estonian Land Board, State Forest Management Centre (RMK), the Foundation Private Forest Centre (PFC), OÜ Estonian Environmental Research Centre, Geological Survey of Estonia, AS Estonian Map Centre, AS Ökosil, Estonian Environment Agency (KAUR), Estonian Museum of Natural History and Information Technology Centre of the Ministry of the Environment (KEMIT).

The area of government of the ministry includes:

  • organising of national environmental and nature protection,
  •   fulfilling tasks related to land and databases containing spatial data,
  •   organising the use, protection, re-production and accounting for natural resources,
  •   ensuring radiation protection,
  •   performing tasks related to decrease of climate change,
  •   environmental supervision,
  •   organising meteorological observations, nature and marine research, geological,   cartographic and geodetic operations,
  •   maintenance of land cadastre,
  •   organising the use of external tools for environmental protection, as well as compiling strategic documents and draft legislation.

Structure

Last updated: 25.03.2024