SL Climate Summit highlights importance of action
Governments have a vital role in providing and enforcing detailed action plans with clear accountability, such as the Sri Lanka National Environmental Action Plan 2022-2030, the US ambassador Julie Chung said in her remarks at the CEO forum preceding the Code Red Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2024 on Tuesday.
“They can adopt policies that support the transition to a greener, climate-resilient economy. As conditions permit, increased public funding can boost innovation to address climate change. As business leaders, you have the ears of those in political power. Your voices matter. Advocate for what the business community needs from the government to push Sri Lanka’s transition to a greener economy so there is no misunderstanding about what’s at stake for the country, its economic recovery, and its future.”
President Ranil Wickremesinghe accentuated the government's commitment to enacting unified legislation addressing environmental protection and climate change. He highlighted the need for economic policies that foster competitiveness and transition towards a green economy, aiming to achieve netzero emissions by 2050. Given the recent extreme weather conditions, the President stressed the urgency of addressing climate mitigation measures promptly.
These remarks were made at the inaugural Sri Lanka Climate Summit hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The summit saw discussions on fostering a comprehensive understanding of the climate crisis and assessing potential disruptions to the economy, as well as discussing policy reforms for a low-emission, climateresilient economic framework.
In her address at the inauguration, Azusa Kubota, the UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative, emphasised the need for a more integrated approach to climate change action. She highlighted the potential role of the private sector in bridging the gap between policy and actionable platforms. Ms.
Kubota also mentioned that the upcoming third-generation National Determined Contributions on Climate Change in 2025 will involve greater participation from the private sector.
Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, the biodiversity scientist, stressed the importance of a national plan that transcends political interests and provides stability. He dismissed concerns about the viability of nuclear power, citing the lower cost of nuclear plants in South India and the improved safety measures in place since the Chornobyl and Fukushima incidents. Dr. Pethiyagoda also highlighted the potential impacts of rising sea levels on Sri Lanka's economy, despite the resilience of its primary trade crops.
Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, the President of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras Park, urged South Asian countries to think regionally and focus on developing recycling technologies for batteries and solar panels. He urged reliance on local solutions and highlighted the innovative capabilities of young people in the region.