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29 March 2024

UAE highlights Climate Change realities to avoid adverse impact on environment and public health

Published
By Wam

At a panel discussion entitled ‘United to Safeguard a Healthy Planet’, on Monday at the Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament (GSWS 2016), Dr. Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, warned that ignoring the realities of climate change would result in serious adverse effects on the environment as well as on public health.

He said that countries need to work together to develop, implement, and comply with international environmental treaties.

The discussion reviewed various innovative policies drafted to protect the planet, and focussed on the difference that parliaments can make in this matter, both individually and in mutual collaboration.

The panel discussion that drew the participation of members of parliament globally, also highlighted best-in-class initiatives undertaken by parliaments to implement these policies.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi, led the panel discussion, headlined by Jiko Fatafehi Luveni, Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, Lucie Milebou-Aubusson, President of the Senate of Gabon, Ntlhoi Alice Motsamai, Speaker of the National Assembly of Lesotho, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, Speaker of the National Assembly of Surinam, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Pany Yathotou, President of the National Assembly of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, "Scientific evidence has shown that the climate is changing and much of this change is due to human factors. This trend has accelerated in recent decades due to emissions of greenhouse gases.

"In light of the severity of climate change and its effect on citizens, governments should be advocates for progressive change, playing an integral role in fostering innovation that will ease the transition to a sustainable future," he added.

Jiko Fatafehi Luveni reiterated, "In our pursuit of a healthy planet, we face various challenges caused by the human factor. Fiji has adopted a wide spectrum of solutions to address them, particularly raising awareness, building capacity and reducing deforestation by planting a million trees in five years. Parliament speakers should interact with the public through debates and mass programmes in order to motivate people to grow their own food."

Lucie Milebou-Aubusson said, "Parliamentary speakers should take serious action to protect the environment and humanity. Gabon is taking important steps in environment protection and sustainable development to realise its ambition of achieving zero flaring by 2030. Despite the fact that wood and oil are our main resources, we are working on plans to diversify our economy away from wood."

Ntlhoi Alice Motsamai explained, "Carbon emissions, decreasing water resources, extinction of wildlife and climate change are some of the main environmental challenges of today. As parliamentary speakers, we should work together to change legislation, implement global treaties and adopt plans to protect our planet. To ensure we achieve our goals, governments should launch initiatives to educate people and raise awareness."

Commenting on the relationship between people and the environment, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said, "Humans and the environment are inseparable, but people are not aware of that fact. Our way of life is not only threatening the natural environment of the planet, but also our own health and the future of the coming generations. Parliaments should cooperate to achieve change, especially in the industrial sector, for a healthier, balanced and sustainable economic system. Working with the youth is also highly important to make them aware of their responsibility to ensure a better future."

Elaborating on the environmental impacts of the industrial sector, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan explained: "The industrial revolution has had a severe impact on the whole planet.

This summit is the ideal platform to discuss creative solutions to reduce pollution, adapt to climate change and achieve economic sustainability around the world. Parliaments should lead the change in legal systems, include SDGs in economic development plans and foster international cooperation to finance green initiatives."

Highlighting the importance of global cooperation, Pany Yathotou said, "Implementing SDGs and adhering to international agreements is highly crucial in protecting the planet. The government of Laos has adopted plans to enhance climate change adaptation, protect the environment, safeguard natural resources, as well as encourage financing of green projects. We need to involve the private sector and raise awareness with regard to water and energy consumption, and protecting forestry."

The Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament 2016, themed ‘United for Shaping the Future’, is held under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and Supreme President of the Council for Motherhood and Childhood.