Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has highlighted the importance of adapting more environment friendly methods to further boost economic growth. The environment minister made the remarks at the Asia-Pacific Regional Ministerial Conference on Green Economy held in Bangkok.
Environment Minister Hussain Rasheed began the speech by noting the dire consequences of climate change, adding no nation is immune from the impacts. He expressed the world needs urgent and ambitious action at every level to fight the imminent climate crisis and limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees, as set in the Paris Agreement. Highlighting accelerating climate resilient and low-emissions development pathway is crucial, the minister said green growth and green economies could play a vital role in achieving these development pathways.
Furthermore, talking about reconsidering economic practices and lifestyles, the minister said clean technologies and green measures take a leading role in attaining economic development. The economic minister shed light on the efforts of the government to adapt to environment friendly practices. In this regard, the minister mentioned the government is investing in renewables and increasing the share of renewables in energy mix, adding it is a key priority of the government.
Speaking about the developments made by Maldives in the sector, Minister Hussain Rasheed stated Maldives have begun efforts to generate 70% of day-time peak load from renewable energy sources which will reduce the greenhouse gases consumed and increase institutional capacities on green technologies.
On conclusion, the minister called for a collective effort to achieve the global goal of environment protection.