Head of the Maldives delegation at COP24, former President Mohamed Nasheed has suggested it is time to stop asking developed countries to cut emissions and instead ask them to invest in renewable energy.
Noting not much has changed since he last addressed at COP19 in 2009, the former president, representing Maldives in Poland, stated the only thing we all seem to do is talk even though the carbon emission keeps on rising. Begging the leader of big polluters to stop polluting on ethical grounds is not helping, highlighted Nasheed, adding it is time to ask them to invest in renewable energy and demand an increase in clean energy.
Maldives urged the world to unite to fight climate change, pointing out its peoples' very survival is dependent on global action to address the dire crisis. Moreover, Nasheed revealed Maldives will not become the first victims of the climate crisis.
Noting climate change is a national security issue for Maldives, Nasheed pointed out it is an existential threat. Nasheed added a rise in global temperatures could still be avoided if countries unite to address the challenge. He also made an impassioned plea for urgent progress on cutting carbon in his address in COP24.