Fiji Calls on Leaders to Address Climates Change

PM Calls on Leaders to Address Climates Change

News in brief:

(THURSDAY 22ND JULY, 2010 No:1090 / MOI) PM CALLS ON LEADERS TO ADDRESS CLIMATES CHANGE

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has told leaders at the Engaging with the Pacific meeting that the Pacific small islands states must make a stand on Climate Change.

“ We the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) face a number of challenges that are peculiar to us,” he said.

“We are at the cold face of climate change and some face almost complete annihilation or at best, changes in the way we live and reconfigurations of our economic base and livelihood,” he said.

He said that because of our geographical location, Pacific island states must not depend on fossil fuels.

“ The recent rise in prices of oil and commodities indicate how vulnerable our economies are and demands that we concentrate on renewable energy alternatives to reach acceptable levels of food self-sufficiency.

“The global financial crisis brings home the point that we in the Pacific are most vulnerable to the machinations of the bigger economies.

“It also demonstrates that we as individual countries do not in most instance have the economies of scale.

“ These are the realities, the pertinent issues that need to be addressed. If addressed properly, with wisdom and collaboration it will bring actual and tangible benefits to our people,”he said.

He said climate change when addressed properly will bring about long term stability to the region and it will demonstrate good, just and fair leadership.

“ Fiji in this regard has taken a number of measures.

“ Fiji has ratified the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) convention and have taken steps in our fiscal and monetary regime while collaborating and seeking advice and guidance from international agencies to position our state finances for the future.

“Our missions in New York and elsewhere have been and will continue to take strong and long term view on climate change by working with countries that have a global view. We are also cognizant of the need to tackle the environment or pollution,”he said.

Commodore Bainimarama said in reality these issues cannot be solved over night but this forum, is a step in the right direction.

Caption: PM Commodore Bainimarama speaks to the Leaders this morning.

For more information on Government events and decisions log onto the official Government portal www.fiji.gov.fj

ENDS

© Scoop Media