Press Release: Regarding the deliberations at UNFCCC / COP21
Re: The deliberations at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change / 21st Conference of Parties
ECOCARE MALDIVES welcomes the Government of Maldives along with the 195 countries involved during the deliberations at UNFCCC COP21, which has lead to the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement.
Small Island Developing States such as the Maldives has played a key role in global climate talks since it’s inception at the first Earth Summit of 1992 and the culmination of these efforts at Paris is undoubtedly a key milestone in the fight for a healthier planet.
The Maldivian islands being at the front lines of climate catastrophe, has always had determined leaders, who have led the international call for survival and climate justice. Ever since President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 1987 told world leaders that climate change will lead to “the death of a nation”, our leaders have taken up the mantle raising common voices for a safer, healthier planet.
President Maumoon was among the first leaders to connect climate change to global human rights; a common theme today.
At the 2009 Copenhagen Summit (COP15), which turned out to be a disastrous failure, President Mohamed Nasheed demanded that the world not give up hope, reminding world leaders that it is this generation that has the last chance to overcome a generation of failed promises and lost opportunities.
President Nasheed’s rallying call remains true; “If the Maldives cannot be saved today, I don’t think there is much chance for the world.”
Today, as world leaders unite to work towards capping global warming “well below 2.0C” and work towards a cap of 1.5C, Maldives is again challenged to lead through our actions.
Recalling Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim’s closing statement at the COP21, calling for climate action; “history will judge this outcome not by what we agreed today, but by what we do from this day forth,” Maldives has to be at the front line again, to push for a 100% renewable, fossil free future.
To reach a global warming cap of 2.0C, scientists estimate that over 80% of coal, 50% of gas and 30% of oil reserves needs to remain untapped, and even more to reach a cap of 1.5C.
This ambitious goal needs commitment from developed as well as developing nations to #KeepItInTheGround.
ECOCARE joins an international coalition of 20+ NGOs to reiterate our calls on the Maldives government to immediately and unconditionally end it’s efforts to explore oil in the Maldives.
It is also important for us to remember that the battle is not won! The struggle needs to continue! All small island nations must continue to advocate for climate justice, which is incomplete without addressing Loss and Damages caused by climate change.
ECOCARE Maldives