Climate change impacts more than ever now: Shauna
Shauna said that climate change has become “an existential threat for us”.
Environment minister Aiminath Shauna said on Friday that the Maldives is facing increased incidences of flooding and other effects of climate change as the country is among the most climate vulnerable countries.
Shauna spoke about the challenges faced by the country due to climate change in an interview for an episode of The Zone, which provides information on a wide range of topics on the sidelines of the ongoing World Bank-IMF Spring Meeting in Washington, US.
"Climate change is a daily occurrence for us now. It affects every aspect of our lives," Shauna said.
The recent heavy rains in Male flooded the entire city and damaged some houses.
The minister highlighted the impact of climate change on the Maldives, one of the world's lowest and smallest islands:
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1.1 degrees celsius rise in global temperature affects reefs; reefs are linked to livelihoods and food security
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All islands in the country have run out of naturally available clean drinking water due to increasing salinity in ground water, with the rising sea levels
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There has been an increase in flooding and sea swells, and there has been a change in rainfall pattern
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Fishing and tourism are also being impacted
Shauna said that climate change has become “an existential threat for us”.
Shauna said the country is focusing on renewable energy production to mitigate these effects and build a climate-conscious nation.
"We spend about 10% of our GDP on importing fossil fuels. For us to be able to as quickly as possible transition to an economy that is powered by sunshine is a no-brainer for us; which saves us money, which gives us more space to be able to continue to invest in our adaptation," she said.
The minister also said that due to the investments made in the last 10 years, 13% of the country's energy demand is now met by renewable energy.
Shauna said:
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At present, the priority is to ensure access to clean drinking water in outer islands
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13% of the country's coral reefs have already been protected; by 2030, work is in line with the target of protecting 30% of the reefs
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With the help of the World Bank, Maldives is investing in better waste management
She said that as a result of the efforts initiated with the World Bank more than a decade ago, investments in renewable energy in the country has not only increased but also has attracted private investments.
"As you know, the Maldives is a small island nation, often it's overlooked on how profitable investing in such small economies and markets could be," Shauna said.
Shauna, however, pointed out that the World Bank-funded energy programme that has been formulated in the country, has reduced the challenges and risks faced by private investors.
While the Maldives is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, this year's El Nino is affecting the country's marine ecosystems. In the coming days, the sea level will warm up further and the problem is likely to escalate.
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