The President now maintains that climate change is a reality
1 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 08:10Although President Muizzu acknowledged climate change as a reality during the official Independence Day ceremony, he had previously dismissed it as mere rhetoric during an interview conducted while serving as President-elect.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu delivers his address at the official ceremony marking Independence Day. | President's Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has acknowledged climate change as a reality, marking a shift from his previous stance on the issue.
Speaking at the official Independence Day ceremony, President Muizzu emphasized that climate change is an undeniable reality, noting his extensive efforts to advocate on this issue. Highlighting that the Maldives hosted the very first summit for small island nations to address this crisis, the President called upon major global powers to listen to the voices of smaller nations.
However, in an interview with Al Jazeera on October 14, 2023, while serving as President-elect, President Muizzu stated that the discourse surrounding climate change consists of repetitive narratives that he does not find particularly credible.
Stating that similar narratives were being shared even 50 years ago, President Muizzu remarked that he does not observe sea levels rising at the rates currently being claimed.
"To be honest, I don't think that is very accurate. It has been the same story for 50 years; we are not seeing the sea level rising that much, and it has remained the same."President Muizzu
Furthermore, President Muizzu stated that if people were to visit the Maldives and see for themselves, it would become clear to them that the prevailing narrative regarding climate change is not the reality.
