Global Diplomats Unite to Address Climate Change Crisis: Urgent Action Needed
International Conclave Highlights Climate Change Challenges
Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, ambassadors and diplomats from eight nations expressed their deep concerns regarding the escalating effects of climate change and global warming, urging for immediate and targeted global efforts to safeguard the environment.
During a two-day international conference titled ‘Climate Change and Global Warming—Issues and Prospects,’ Spain's ambassador, Juan Antonio March Pujol, emphasized that climate change is not a distant issue but a significant challenge facing humanity.
Other notable speakers included Alberto Guani (Ambassador of Uruguay), Javier Paulinich (Ambassador of Peru), Fernando Bucheli (Ambassador of Ecuador), Omar Castaneda Solares (Ambassador of Guatemala), Antonio Bartoli (Ambassador of Italy), Lalatiana Accouche (High Commissioner of Seychelles), and Kayshav Tewari (Diplomat from Guyana).
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department, pointed out that the release of greenhouse gases from human activities is a primary factor contributing to the current climate crisis.
He noted that the consequences are evident in the form of extreme weather patterns.
Mohapatra cautioned that natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands are diminishing due to deforestation and human activities.
He mentioned that efforts are underway to combat deforestation and safeguard water bodies.
The economic repercussions of climate change are also significant, with agricultural yields declining by 6 to 10 percent due to rising temperatures, alongside adverse effects on fishing activities.
He stressed the importance of establishing early warning systems in areas prone to extreme weather and advocated for sustainable development practices at the grassroots level to tackle climate change.
High Commissioner Accouche from Seychelles highlighted that her nation, a small island in Africa, is severely impacted by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather, which threaten its economy, particularly tourism and fishing.
She remarked, 'Although we contribute minimally to global warming, we bear the brunt of its effects.'
Tewari from Guyana echoed her sentiments, stating that those who have contributed the least to climate change are often the most affected.
Guyana, with a population of 800,000, has been implementing environmental protection policies and is recognized as a green superpower, with 85 percent of its land covered by forests that act as carbon sinks.
Ambassador Pujol from Spain noted that human activities have led to a rise in sea levels of over 20 cm since 1900, with countries facing severe weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts.
Spain is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and supports initiatives from the European community to address climate issues.
Ambassador Bartoli of Italy referred to the recent unexpected floods in Texas, stating, 'Despite our technological advancements, we still cannot control nature.'
Ambassador Paulinich from Peru reported that 71 percent of his country's glaciers, which are vital for water supply, are in decline, stating, 'The glaciers are retreating, and it is not just ice that is melting, but our future.'