INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In a compelling address at the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE on Friday (Dec.01), President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the historical significance of the UN
Conference on Human Environment, emphasizing its goal to defend and improve the environment for present and future generations.He referenced
temperatures by the end of the century.Highlighting the challenges faced by developing countries, Wickremesinghe stressed the
disproportionate vulnerability and impact due to lower adaptive capacities in Finance, Technology, and Climate investments
He cited the Independent High-Level Expert Group Report on Climate Finance, which underscored the need for at least a USD 1 trillion per
annum to combat climate change.The President commended the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting the crucial event and
on funding arrangements, Wickremesinghe called for a more transparent approach, particularly addressing issues of global debt relief
He questioned the wisdom of avoiding contentious issues, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis.He advocated for climate justice
accessible to all nations and proposed a resolution for a Climate Justice Forum
This forum, agreed upon at the 5th Forum of the Ministers of Environmental Authorities of Asia Pacific, aims to provide a platform for
constructive and proactive engagements, with the proposal scheduled for the UN Environment Assembly on 6th February 2024.Underlining the
critical nature of the current period, the President urged immediate action to find effective solutions, thinking outside the box and
investing in the Tropical Belt to tackle the Triple Planetary Crisis
Wickremesinghe announced plans for a panel to report on the Tropical Belt Initiative, emphasizing its global impact.As the current Chair of
the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Sri Lankan leader linked the health of the Indian Ocean to climate change
He stressed the need for a sustainable Blue Economy to counter the adverse effects of rising sea levels, ocean acidification, coral
bleaching, and extreme weather patterns.The President also revealed plans to establish the International Climate Change University (ICCU)
for capacity building and advancing research, operationalizing it next year
address at COP28 outlined a comprehensive approach, blending regional initiatives like the Tropical Belt and the Indian Ocean with global
congratulate his highness and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for hosting COP28 and extend to you my gratitude for your warm
It is we; the developing countries are both disproportionately vulnerable and disproportionately impacted due to their lower adaptive
capacity when it comes to investments in Finance, Technology and Climate.The Independent High-Level Expert Group Report on Climate Finance
highlighted that at least a Trillion USD per annum is required to combat climate change
The Transitional Committee on the Operationalization of Funding Arrangements in its Report of 4th November 2023 only calls for voluntary
The Report makes no mention of the funds needed or who the contributors are
It is silent on the issue of global debt relief
a minimum of US$ trillion per annum
To arrive at a consensus not to take up a contentious issue is not a solution
Who are we fooling?Climate justice must be available to all the people and all the countries
In this background, Sri Lanka will propose a resolution for a Climate Justice Forum which was agreed upon at the 5th Forum of the Ministers
of Environmental Authorities of Asia Pacific to be moved at the UN Environment Assembly of 6th February 2024.The Climate Justice Forum will
provide us a platform for constructive and proactive engagements
The enemy is at the gates
We are still procrastinating
We are still forming our battalions to take the fight to the enemy
Therefore, this fortnight is critical.It will determine whether we are capable of providing a leadership
Let us prove we can do so by action and delivery.Sri Lanka is committed to the 1.5 degree Celcius limit
We are facing a drastic situation to await the disaster
We must think outside of the box
We must Invest in the Tropical Belt to tackle the Triple Planetary Crisis.The Tropical Belt constitutes 134 countries covering 44% of
The rich biodiversity of the Tropical Belt enhances biological carbon sequestration and can shield the world from instabilities in
weather.Furthermore, the energy generation potential from solar, wind and biomass are significantly higher in the tropics than that of other
Yet, anthropogenic activities in the Tropical Belt can easily lead to an imbalance in the equilibrium of this region.So much so that some
scientists predict that the Tropical Rain Belt could shift away from the Equator by the 22nd Century
Large scale investments in Renewable Energy, Pollution Control and Nature-based Solutions will lead to significant transformative changes in
the entire world by enhancing carbon sequestration.Therefore, Sri Lanka and other concerned countries will convene a panel to report on the
A multi sector plan distributed not only among the whole tropical region but the whole world
As the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Sri Lanka is focusing on the interdependence between the Indian Ocean and
climate change.A healthy ocean generates oxygen and absorbs the carbon and heat produced from global warming
Mangroves and sea grasses sink more carbon than land forests
However, the rapid climate change is altering the marine environment with rising sea levels and temperatures, Ocean acidification, coral
bleaching, habitat destruction and extreme weather patterns
These phenomenon have a direct impact on human lives by disrupting ocean biodiversity, the Ocean dependent food patterns, and coastal
Member states and partners of IORA will work towards ensuring a sustainable, Indian Ocean for future generations.The Tropical Belt
initiative and the Indian Ocean IORA program combined will form the largest global sink for carbon sequestration
Addressing the climate change need, up to date scientific knowledge, and the effective use of these findingsTherefore, at COP27, I proposed
to establish an International Climate Change University (ICCU) for capacity building and advancing research, necessary to contribute to the
crucial efforts to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
We will be operationalizing the International Climate Change University (ICCU) next year.Ministers Mr
Kanchana Wijesekera, and Member of Parliament Mr
Madhura Withana represented the government, while Members of Parliament Mr
Ajith Mannapperuma represented the Opposition
Additionally, Senior Adviser to the President on Climate Change Mr
Ruwan Wijewardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr
Anil Jasinghe, Director of International Affairs Mr
Dinouk Colomboge, Adviser to the Ministry of Finance Mr
Sandra Perera were also present on this occasion.
