Photo retrieved from magneticmediatv.com
Chan Santokhi, President of Suriname, highlighted some major challenges Suriname is faced with due to climate change, as one of the only [three] carbon negative countries in the world and non-contributing nation to climate change effects.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, 78th Session on September 20th, he informed that the country is, as we speak, getting “extraordinary high temperatures” which brings a range of effects such as challenges with the availability of drinking water.
He continued to explain that the rising sea level poses a threat to coastal areas. Also, he said inland areas are frequently flooded at an increasing rate due to heavy rainfall.
Even more unfortunate, he added that consequently people living in remote parts of the country’s [vast interior] are deprived of various necessities such as education, work and basic utilities, further informing that food security is also threatened.
Amid all this, he maintained that Suriname remains dedicated and continues to play its part in protecting the planet via national actions and also with “engaging in strategic international public and private partnerships that will contribute to keeping the country carbon negative “now and also for the future.”
In continuation, Santokhi pointed out the need for easier climate financing to put in place mitigation and adaptation policies.
In light of this, he also spoke of the lack of progress for essential elements for global climate change solutions, and peace and prosperity.