Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna has stated the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) summit is expected to increase the spending on climate change. She made the remarks in an interview with PSM News in the UK prior to the COP26 summit.
In the interview, Minister Shauna noted the islands of Maldives has seen severe erosion and major flooding with climate change, while the water surface of the islands has also been contaminated. She reiterated efforts are underway to make the voice of Maldives heard since there is fear the marine life may go extinct.
Speaking about the expectation of the Maldives at the COP26, the environment minister said the Maldives is mainly advocating for two main points as climate change has a major impact on the environment of the country. Shauna noted that if countries are hesitant to release funds pledged to spend on environmental issues, the income of countries such as the Maldives must be spent on solving major issues such as erosion, flood pollution and swell waves. She also noted the importance of the Maldives given to climate financing adaptations.
COP26 is an important platform for the Maldives to share its sustainable development plans with the international community.. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih advocates for the rights of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international forums recognizing the vulnerability and financial difficulties faced by SIDS due to climate change. The Maldives has previously announced its goal of achieving the net-zero goal by 2030.
COP26 summit is being organised by the UK in collaboration with Italy. The summit is being held to bring together all relevant stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of measures to achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The summit is being attended by leaders from more than 190 countries, with thousands of negotiators, representatives of governments, businesses and the public attending.
The main event of COP26 is to be held from October 31 to November 12.