Abu Dhabi: A panel discussion titled ‘United to Safeguard a Healthy Planet’, held yesterday at the Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, reviewed various innovative policies drafted to protect our planet, and focused on the difference that parliaments can make in this matter, both individually and in mutual collaboration.
Dr Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led the panel discussion. The high-profile panel noted that the health of the planet has a huge impact on our daily lives. Clean air, safe water and sustainable sources of food are crucial by-products of a healthy planet. The panel examined recent legislation and global initiatives, including the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and underlined how parliaments should implement the recommendations resulting from such initiatives.
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. “Ignoring the realities of climate change will result in serious adverse effects on our environment as well as on public health. Countries need to work together to develop, implement, and comply with international environmental treaties.”
He added 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.
Jiko Fatafehi Luveni, Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, said in our pursuit of a healthy planet, we face various challenges caused by the human factor.
Lucie Milebou-Aubusson, President of the Senate of Gabon, said parliamentary speakers should take serious action to protect the environment and humanity.
Ntlhoi Alice Motsamai, Speaker of the National Assembly of Lesotho, explained carbon emissions, decreasing water resources, extinction of wildlife and climate change are some of the main environmental challenges of today, saying, “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.”
