Maldives decides to ratify Paris Agreement on Climate Change
The parliament of Maldives ‘the People’s Majlis’ today approved the ratification of Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The motion came after government’s submission to the Majlis to get its approval to ratify the agreement.
Minister of Environment and Energy Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim will sign the agreement on behalf of H.E. PresidentYameen Abdul Gayoom, at the upcoming High Level ceremony convened by the UN Secretary General on 22 April.
Maldives is one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse impacts of climate change. The Indian Ocean island nation isamong the lowest lying countries in the world with an average elevation of only 1.5 metres above mean sea level. Maldiveshas been advocating for international action to tackle climate change since1987, and draw attention to the plight of small island developing states. The country was also amongthe first to sign and ratify the UNFCCC andits Kyoto Protocol.
“The international community has demonstrated its commitment towards addressing climate change with the adoption of the Paris Agreement.Now it is time for all to ratify the Agreement.’ Minister Thoriq called for countries to implement their action plans and raise ambitions towards achieving the targets of the Agreement to avoid dangerous climate change.
“We all need to maintain the spirit of togetherness as we demonstrated in Paris. I call upon all to take action, and particularly industrial nations to take the lead. I believe it is their moral obligation to do so.” Minister of Environment and Energy Hon. ThoriqIbrahim, the chair of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), continuedfollowing the Parliament’s decision.
Last week, scientists issued new warnings that sea level rise rates could accelerate well beyond what was previously believed. The new findings predict that if action is not taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, disintegration of the West Antarctic ice sheet could cause sea levels to rise by five or six feet by the end of the century, destroying low- lying island nations like the Maldives.
In order for the Paris Agreement tocome into effect,ratification of the Agreement from a minimum of 55 nations, representing a minimum of 55% of the world’s climate pollutants is required.Maldives is asking countriesfor their support to achieve this target and to fast track efforts to tackle climate change impacts which many countries, especially the small island developing states are already facing.
Under its national climate action plan, Maldives pledged to reduce its emissions by 24% on a conditional manner and reduce 10% of its emissions unconditionally, making it among the few small island developing states and developing countries to make unconditional pledges.
