One thing that the world will not forget after the November COP 23 meeting is the Fiji Bula spirit and the resilient Pacific Islanders who stand steadfastly together to push for lower carbon emissions.
When the 20,000 participants come to Bonn, they will see an iTaukei drua, an ocean going canoe displayed in the main auditorium. Unlike other COP global meetings, this one is being constructively marked with the stamp of Fiji and the Pacific islands. The drua in Bonn shows that it is not just Fiji and the Pacific islands that are in the same canoe but the whole world and its 7.5 billion inhabitants as no one is immune to climate change. Our PM as the President of COP 23 will exhort all delegates of the need for urgent action to fill its sail with a global determination to move the climate agenda forward as time is running out.
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres praised Fiji’s leadership on the global stage, in particular in the areas of climate change, oceans health and peacekeeping duties. Guterres said that “it was encouraging to see a small island developing state like Fiji taking leadership in addressing significant challenges faced by the global community." He added that such strong global leadership is very reassuring in that multilateralism is very much alive and is an indicator that many good things can happen.
National Climate Week which is being celebrated this week from 22nd to 29th September is a reminder that all Fijians must fill the drua's sail with personal action that will reduce your carbon footprints. The activities undertaken this week is also aimed at raising awareness on the effects of climate change, and to educate the public on Fiji’s COP 23 Presidency.
We the public can contribute to reducing carbon emissions through living healthy and purposeful lives. Beautiful foot paths have sprung up in Suva, Nasinu and many other urban areas. Instead of leading sedentary lives confined to the armchairs near our TV sets or the spaces where our yaqona bowls are located, we should be inspired by these footpaths to take up new hobbies like walking or jogging in the mornings or after work. I must confess that as I walk in the afternoons I am often greeted by cynical looks on hardened faces. We should all consider the Godly joys of being one with nature by having regular exercises. We will have a deep appreciation of God’s greatness as we undertake physical activities and look heavenwards to pray for climate action .
With the high incidences of non communicable diseases, we should also be taking action to plant local fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs and root crops in our home gardens. We should cut down on eating processed and oily foods including fizzy drinks.
Last week Mr Bainimarama made an appeal for climate cooperation at the UN general assembly. He said, “If we view this as some sort of negotiation in which each country tries to preserve its narrow national interests, we will all lose. We will be powerless to protect our own people from the consequences of climate change.” There were two other pieces of good news. Nicaragua who never supported climate change action suddenly had a change of heart leaving only 2 countries, the US and war torn Syria out of the Paris Agreement. The other piece of good news is that California governor Jerry Brown (who had been appointed a special envoy by the Fijian COP 23 presidency) promoted his “Under 2 coalition” of cities and states pledging climate action. Those who have signed are responsible for 39% of global GDP. In California, Brown has a bill to set a 100% renewable electricity target.”
As we celebrate National Climate Week, let us accelerate our positive actions for a resilient Fiji.
No comments:
Post a Comment