CHARNIKA IMBULANA MUNASINGHE
COLOMBO : Delegates from a dozen countries encompassed the large crowd including environment related local officers of Government and private sector that congregated at Shangri La Colombo Tuesday October 3 at the second session of the United Nations Science Policy -Business Forum on the Environment for the Asia Pacific Region. The Forum culminated with a common urgent message, for acceleration on decarbonization efforts.
Uniting on one platform to raise their voice on the theme of Advancing Environmental Sustainability in the Asia-Pacific Region was a collaborative effort aiming to emphasize the significance of future proofing economy, people and the planet.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Environment, Naseer Ahamed, in his opening address at the Forum informed that President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s Climate Change Plan at COP 27, which has a strong focus on renewable energy generation to propel the country towards a Green Economy is considered to be a groundbreaking climate investment plan and is a first of its kind in Sri Lanka.
“It charts a course to attract foreign investment, fostering economic growth, job creation climate adaptation and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.” he said. “Under this roadmap, there is a total resource mobilization opportunity of US dollars 26.5 billion by 2030.” he added.
Minister Ahamed took the opportunity to also address the widely represented Government and Commercial sector leading figures at the Forum to call upon businesses and individuals alike to collaborate towards achieving this milestone.
He highlighted that the overarching objectives encompass addressing climate change, adhering to the Paris Agreement, engaging in NFCC negotiations, safeguarding the future of nature and bio diversity, and fortifying disaster risk reduction under the Sendai Framework, all within the context of sustainability and the Sustainability Development Goals.
“Today we confront escalating climate shocks that impact the livelihoods, food security and the health of millions of people. Concurrently the Asia-Pacific region accounts for an increasing share of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, which have risen from 35% in 2010 to 39% in 2019. On a per-capita basis, the Asia- Pacific region emits approximately 6 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually”, he revealed.
”The pressing need is for an expeditious acceleration in decarburization efforts within the region to align with the objectives of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is contingent upon the region’s ability to shift from carbon- intensive growth to low carbon development.” he stressed.
Minister Ahamed reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment as a developing nation to sustainable economic growth, with a vision for a greener future as evidenced by ambitious policies like Net Zero 2050 Road Map and the National Environment Policy.
The proceedings at the Forum revealed that the countries across the Asia Pacific region have committed to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC’s), and some nations have also updated their initial NDCs. The discussions displayed an exchange of vital ideas, information, resultant collaborations and of educational value to each country represented at the forum. The platform provided a common ground for the united urgent regional call and reminder for acceleration in efforts to meet their respective milestones and commitments on Climate Change.
