In his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last night, Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji reiterated that the developed nations should reduce emissions. In addition, the minister said the developed and large emitters should help vulnerable countries adapt to climate change and deal with the consequences.
The foreign minister started the address by reading out a letter he received from a seven-year-old girl in Lunana. The minister said a highland community in Bhutan, which is home to more than 800 people, is facing danger due to melting glaciers and snow.
In the letter, the girl said her village is in great danger because of global warming.
“Our innocent people are suffering because of others’ evil actions. In near future, we may not see glaciers and snow on the mountains, beautiful glacial lakes and Lunaps in this place. Therefore, I would request your Excellency to kindly convey this small message to the world leaders, and big and rich nations to help and save our tiny village from Global Warming,” said the Foreign Minister.
He added the letter evokes the truths of communities standing on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The minister said there is a need to call for interdependence, and collaborations within countries to combat these major challenges.
“We must ensure adequate and predictable finance, technological and capacity support, for developing countries, particularly the LLDCs, LDCs and SIDs, to enable us to achieve the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. We need to forge strong international cooperation in coming up with viable projects and partnerships to scale up investments in alternative renewable energy, to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, particularly in the manufacturing and transport sectors,” added the Foreign Minister.
The minister said global leaders should prioritise investment in sustainable mountain development as the world heads towards a water, food and energy crisis.
“We must continue to foster sustainable mountain development with special emphasis on mountain agriculture, sustainable mountain tourism and opportunities to tap renewable energy that the mountains provide.”
The foreign minister also informed the gathering that Bhutan will be hosting Snowman Race, an ultra-marathon for elite athletes from around the world later in October. The event is expected to generate more action and enhance greater partnerships to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change facing Bhutanese communities residing in the mountains.
Kelzang Choden
Edited by Phub Gyem