Africa-Press – Mauritius. In Glasgow, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth is stepping up initiatives to alert the international community to the plight of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the face of the climate emergency and the need to release the necessary funds to protect them .
He participated in a panel discussion on “Understanding Island Climate Priorities at COP 26” at the invitation of the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken. The American President, Mr.
Joe Biden, welcomed the heads of state and government present and he launched the work of the round table which was held on Tuesday, November 2 in the wake of the United Nations conference on the climate, COP26.
It was an opportunity for the Prime Minister to remind developed countries of their responsibility to support island countries in their adaptation to climate impacts. Climate change, underlines Mr.
Pravind Jugnauth, strongly compromises the fruits of development acquired over the decades as well as the capacity of vulnerable countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
In Mauritius, the tourism sector is particularly exposed with, in particular, the rise in sea level and the degradation of lagoons and reefs, direct consequences of global warming.
Mauritius beaches have narrowed by more than 20 meters over the past decade due to sea level rise by 5.6 millimeters per year (9 millimeters per year in Rodrigues), i.
e. at a faster rate. higher than the world average. More frequent and violent torrential rains and tropical cyclones are also among the most pressing climate concerns for the country. In a context of growing climate risk, the Prime Minister calls for international funding to support the adaptation efforts of island countries. Mr.
Pravind Jugnauth says he sees that the existing climate finance mechanism does not meet their expectations and the funds disbursed are largely insufficient in relation to the problems and the fragility of the infrastructure.
Developed countries, argues the Prime Minister, must show strong leadership to mobilize financial and technical resources and facilitate the transfer of clean technologies for the benefit of SIDS and at the same time continue to act with greater determination to limit global warming. planet.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
