Maldives Parliament declares Climate Emergency

The People's Majlis has approved a motion to declare a Climate Emergency.

The motion, seeking to bring the world's attention to the imminent global climate crisis, was passed with the votes of 68 members during Wednesday's parliament sitting.

In addition to a climate emergency declaration, the motion calls for policy-level changes from international organisations and financial authorities to promote investment in renewable energy as well as a worldwide halt to fossil fuel development, investment and subsidies.

Moreover, the motion highlights that foreign aid to the Maldives from climate conferences, despite being helpful, does not present a real solution to the issue of climate change.

Noting that the survival of low-lying nations depends on reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the motion also proposes for the country to advocate for global reduction of carbon emissions.

As such, the motion appeals for worldwide recognition of the imminent and undeniable threat of climate change.

While the motion also advocates for the global reduction of carbon emissions by 45% to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and curb warming to 1.5 Celcius, it further proposes the Maldives' to advocate for an international regulatory system to take action against countries violating the Paris Agreement in the emission of greenhouse gases.