Hoarafushi constituency MP and Chair of the Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Ahmed Saleem has called to set a global example by investing in solar energy next year.
Saleem made the call during his concluding remarks while speaking for a motion calling for bringing the world's attention to the global climate crisis.
He added that the country should halt subsidies on oil and invest in renewable energy instead.
Moreover, he stated that almost MVR one billion was spent by the state on reducing oil prices last year and noted that the 2020 state budget also includes oil subsidies.
He voiced concerns over the inconsistency between the 2020 budget and the climate emergency motion and recommended the parliament's budget committee to consider the motion during its analysis of the state budget.
According to Saleem, electricity costs can be reduced by investing the 119 million rufiya allocated to oil subsidies on renewable energy subsidies for 143 islands with a population of less than 2000. This would include installing a solar panel of 3KW on each house bringing down electricity bills from over MVR1000 to MVR700.
He further added that these numbers are supported by experts in the field.
Saleem stated that the 119 million can be arranged to assist island councils in paying off the interest incurred in the loans required to install solar panels bringing the cost of a solar panel to MVR46,000.
Furthermore, he stated that there are no obstacles to pursuing the path of renewable energy.
I have spoken to FENAKA as well as STELCO. They also want to pursue renewable energy. Therefore, I do not see any obstacles.Hoarafushi MP and Committee on Environment and Climate Change Chair Member Ahmed Saleem
Additionally, Saleem highlighted the importance of changing the country's response to the current global climate emergency.
He noted that the country receives funding from attending climate conferences and invests that funding in the climate adaptation project but the real issue to tackle lies in the emission of greenhouse gases.
We need to change our response to the consequences of climate change and call for global climate mitigation. Regulations must be made to take action against countries that go against the Paris Agreement in the emission of greenhouse gases and presented to the UNHoarafushi MP and Committee on Environment and Climate Change Chair Member Ahmed Saleem
Saleem also called for the declaration of a climate emergency which he stated would be successful upon the approval of the motion.
The motion was accepted by the parliament and forwarded to the Committee on Environment and Climate Change for further review.
