Be Innovative, Bainimarama Tells
Speaking at the World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates yesterday, Mr Bainimarama said Fiji was firmly committed to becoming a carbon-neutral country by 2050.
Monday 10 February 2020 | 10:53
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during the 10th session of the World Urban Forum in the United Arab Emirates Capital Abu Dhabi. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has urged participants of the 10th Session of the World Urban Forum to be innovative with their ideas to achieve a carbon-neutral community for its citizens.
Speaking at the World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates yesterday, Mr Bainimarama said Fiji was firmly committed to becoming a carbon-neutral country by 2050.
He said it was important to practice climate action, which would mean cleaner air, cleaner water, cooler temperatures, and better jobs.
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“Small tweaks in design are keeping buildings cooler and shaving dollars off family’s electricity bills,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“Walkable neighbourhoods are keeping cars off the road, keeping the air clean and keeping people healthy.
“Turning unused lands into public parks is mitigating flooding and bringing life and activity into communities. Transitioning to renewable power, such as wind and solar, is allowing cities to invest in clean public transport without adding emissions.
“Lining city streets with trees are cooling climates, restoring watersheds, ensuring clean air, and lowering stress.
“These are outcomes any leader would strive to deliver for their people.
“Importantly, these advances are harnessing the green potential of high-density living.
“No country, no city, no community’s contribution is too small.”
Mr Bainimarama said whether it was more frequent cyclones, the rising seas, or extreme waves of heat, Fijians weren’t alone in enduring the deadly and devastating consequences of climate change.
This, he said, was a global emergency.
“So as long as our planet continues heating, no people will be spared from greater suffering.
“Ultimately, I believe we can build sustainable cities because I believe in human cooperation, ingenuity, and resilience.
“That effort will be led by a new recognition that people’s healthiest, safest, and most prosperous outcomes are only possible in a carbon-neutral world.
“If we force this work on our children and grandchildren, we’ll risk damage to our ecosystems and our global climate that cannot be undone.
“Join us for the sake of those coming generations; join us for the good of your citizens today.”
Edited by Ivamere Nataro
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