Though the debate over climate change and its effects is intensifying, car traffic continues to rise, and environmentally friendly infrastructure remains in short supply. Experts say local authorities could play a much greater role in creating greener communities. Tauragė is setting the example, aiming to become climate-neutral within the next few years.
Tauragė, a city in western Lithuanial, is considered one of the country's most sustainability-focused cities. It was among the first in the country to introduce electric buses and install solar panels on public buildings.
“We’ve got lots of innovations now – electric buses, and the city itself has really changed. It’s greener, cleaner, and beautiful,” said one Tauragė resident.
“Tauragė is already recognised as a green region by the European Union. It will attract young families and children – that’s really important,” another added.
All of the town’s intercity buses are now electric – a point of pride for residents.
One of the municipality’s main strategic goals is to become the greenest local authority in Lithuania.
“We’re focusing on expanding and redesigning green spaces, improving urban planning, managing waste, promoting public transport, and encouraging people to walk more – and to make that walking enjoyable by improving infrastructure,” said Dovydas Kaminskas, the Mayor of Tauragė District.
Local farms are also contributing to the region’s environmental goals. In the village of Aukštupiai, farmer Jonas Dragūnas manages several hundred hectares of land as an organic biodynamic farm, avoiding all chemical fertilisers. He grows cereals, maintains meadows, and raises cattle.
“In organic farming you can use manure, but in biodynamic farming you can’t – only compost or decomposed manure. It’s a much more sustainable form of agriculture, and when you eat biodynamic food, you can really feel the difference,” he explained.
Challenges on the road to climate neutrality
But achieving climate neutrality is not easy. Over the past decade, the number of cars in Lithuania has risen by around one-third – and continues to grow every year.
“We’ve introduced many measures since the European Green Deal was announced, but results are moving in the opposite direction. Car numbers are rising, and petrol and diesel consumption are increasing. We’re either not doing enough or not implementing the additional steps that are needed,” said Dr Andrius Jaržemskis, head of the Smart Continent Management Institute.
“One essential measure would be a pollution-based car ownership tax, like those in Southern European and Scandinavian countries. If you want to drive a three-litre petrol or diesel car, pay a few thousand euros a year – and drive it,” he added
The greatest challenge, however, is funding.
“We’re not just talking about the lack of funding at the municipal level, but also nationally. We need more support from the Ministries of Environment, Transport, and Agriculture – and, of course, greater EU funding would help,” said Aušrinė Vitkutė, coordinator of the Climate-Neutral Vilnius city mission.
Tauragė and Vilnius are among 100 European cities committed to becoming climate-neutral within the next five years. Vilnius’ progress towards reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy has already earned it the title of Europe’s Green Capital this year.
Experts say Lithuania’s biggest challenges lie in the transport and energy sectors, making emissions reduction in these areas crucial for achieving the country’s climate goals.
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