President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged the global community to do “better and more” in the fight against climate change.
The Maldives President made this assertion at his address at the Climate Action Summit on Monday night, where he was asked on the Maldives role to ensure a safe and prosperous future as a low-lying atoll nation, more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Stressing that climate change is the “defining issue” of the 21st century, Solih stated that failure to address it will endanger lives of the generation that is to follow.
“We hope that the moral force of our argument is strong enough to finally compel the global community to take effective action because we cannot compromise on our survival”President Solih
Just like the Maldives, Solih said that other small island states also seek realistic solutions which is the reason behind the formulation of a “holistic plan” encircling achievable targets for such states to address the risks climate change pose.
Maldives received support for its plan from fellow members of Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) and SIDS as well as other key development agencies, said Solih.
The plan in question comprises of deliverable targets around 11 areas which include the designation of environmentally protected areas, establishing inter-island connectivity, food and water security, safeguarding, installation of new technology, ensuring climate resilient infrastructure, sustainable waste management, transitioning to renewable energy and promoting green tourism among several others.
As such, the “realistic and achievable” plan was formulated in harmony with the fragile ecosystem of Maldives and focuses on conserving eco-rich areas, phasing out single-use plastic, transiting to renewable energy in the tourism and transport sectors.
With each target, Maldives is committed to implement this plan while fully considering inter-generational partnerships, gender equality and the role of youth, said Solih.
“I call upon other SIDS to replicate our model to achieve a post-carbon economy and climate smart development pathway that will in turn safeguard our people from climate associated risks in the future.”President Solih
The President went on to highlight that the initiative will only be realized once finance is made available. As such, a goal was set in 2010 to make USD 100 billion available for developing countries by 2020, which is just a few months away.
Solih went on to stress that the realization of finance for the target is way “below expectation” and that the share is less for vulnerable communities like the SIDS, among the available finance. He added that access to finance needs to change, “for the better”. In this regard, Solih implored for the due diligence of the international community, as Maldives has shared the measures that are intended to be taken.
