By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka will be making two regional proposals focusing on linking countries in the tropical belt to collectively combat climate change and promote the Indian Ocean as a carbon sink, at the U.N climate summit COP28, taking place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in Dubai.
It will also propose setting up an international climate change university and is willing to allocate 600 acres (240 hectares) for the project to promote research on global climate change policies.
A noteworthy aspect of Sri Lanka’s approach is recognizing the plight of the approximately 136 countries within the tropical belt, which bear the brunt of the adverse impacts of climate change.
By championing initiatives like the Climate Justice Forum, Sri Lanka seeks to unite nations facing similar challenges and collectively address the urgent need for climate action.
As the world gears up for COP 28, the Government yesterday said President Ranil Wickremesinghe is spearheading Sri Lanka’s delegation to the conference, which is set to tackle pressing climate change issues and to address critical decisions.
The conference will convene world leaders, public-private representatives, environmentalists, and scholars.
The President envisions three key focal points: the launch of the Climate Justice Forum, the Tropical Belt Initiative and the establishment of a Climate Change University.
In a visionary move initiated by President Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka is set to launch the Climate Justice Forum during the upcoming COP 28 Conference in Dubai, scheduled from 30 November to 12 December.
The President, accompanied by three ministers and two opposition MPs, along with 20 young participants passionate about environmental concerns, will engage in this pivotal conference in Dubai.
The primary objective is to harness support and collaboration from countries in the Tropical Belt to influence policy-making decisions on a global scale.
Addressing the special press briefing on COP 28 participation yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry said that President Wickremesinghe’s concept behind the Climate Justice Forum aims to address the pressing issue of climate change and exert influence, particularly on the Global North.
Among the key agendas to be presented and discussed during the COP 28 Conference are Sri Lanka’s recently introduced roadmaps on Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Energy.
The country is also seeking endorsement for the establishment of a Climate Change University, signaling its commitment to fostering education and research in sustainable practices.
Climate change has emerged as one of the most crucial challenges in the world, and Sri Lanka, like many other nations, is making determined efforts to contribute to global mitigation strategies.
Minister Ali Sabry emphasized the tangible impact of climate change and underscored the imperative for global cooperation.
He highlighted the critical role of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, held annually since the pre-industrial revolution era, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees °C.
