Dear Editor,
Recently we have experienced drought, flooding, and now in the northern part of the world they are experiencing a substantial increase in sequential hurricanes. “For the first time, global warming has exceeded 1.5C across an entire year, according to the EU’s climate service”. (Reference: BBC News February 2024). This brings to the surface the urgent need to continually pursue payment for our climate services. The Guiana Shield has to continue to speak with one voice to the United Nations in pursuit of a comprehensive compensation package for the climate services provided by the Amazon (The lungs of the Earth). Such a package must be of the magnitude that incentivizes the members of the Guiana Shield to pursue only renewable energy sources while also allowing for their national development.
The threat to the world remains clear, and the petroleum and gas wealth of the member nations of the Guiana Shield is becoming more evident. The value of which should be used as guidance in an incentive package that also places a realistic value on the world’s Amazon Rainforest. This value should also incorporate the cost of not having these climate services. Climate disasters are increasing and First World countries are losing wealth due to the increasing destruction that is being unleashed. When the world is ready to act responsibly to prevent the spreading destruction our path towards a sustainable existence will be strengthened.
On this year’s Earth Day, we should all take the time to reflect on the current climate crisis and act accordingly. The United Nations’ Security Council should establish a climate crisis prevention financial package, which appropriately values and pays for the climate services provided by the Guiana Shield as a permanent part of its agenda until a financed solution is reached. As a permanent member of the Guiana Shield, Guyana must use its opportunity on the UN Security Council to continually make the argument for such a financial package, and work towards achieving a binding agreement for the payment for the climate services provided by the Guiana Shield. There is no greater threat to peace in the world!
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
