Development of national climate and adaptation policy in Latvia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the development and character of climate policy in Latvia with a special emphasis on policy instruments. Design/methodology/approach – In order to implement policies and measures effectively and monitor progress in achieving its mitigation targets, Latvia uses a wide mix of policy instruments, including regulations (e.g. environmental impact assessment procedures, environmental permits and standards, restrictions and prohibitions), economic and fiscal instruments (the natural resources tax, the excise tax for energy resources, user's charges), and voluntary agreements, also raising public awareness. Findings – The combination of the policy instruments with the economic and fiscal instruments support consideration of the needs to support industrial developments and consider national growth interests, but at the same time keeping in line with the leadership in the climate change mitigation and adaptation leadership. Practical implications – The approaches used in Latvia for climate policy development supports prioritising of climate change issues and put the development of adaptation measures as key issues, at the same time stressing efforts in mitigation. Originality/value – The character of development of climate policy combining different policy instruments in line with limited availability of resources is analysed.