Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated climate change is now an economic issue.
The speaker made the remarks after Parliamentarian Ahmed Saleem proposed a resolution calling for the Maldives to act as an example to the world in reducing greenhouse gases and invest in solar energy.
Speaking on the resolution, Nasheed said the Maldives now needs partners to collaborate and invest in green energy instead of only financial assistance to fight climate change. Nasheed said the global perspective on climate change now has changed from an environmental issue to an economic concern over the past decade. He called on the international community to partner with the Maldives and invest in green energy as the natural sources could save the country over USD 30 million a year.
Speaker Nasheed has been very vocal in the efforts to fight climate change. He has received international recognition for his work in bringing the issue to global attention, especially during his time as President between 2008 and 2012.