Dear Editor,
With the country being off the guest list at a major environmental forum, and a shift in the strategy being communicated by the President to one that is non-committal on going towards fully renewable energy sources to prevent disastrous climate change, we can only ask what is the new strategy for our low-lying country on the Atlantic Ocean’s coast? The champion of the planet has apparently traded his championship title for oil and gas revenue, leaving citizens on the coastal plain at the mercy of rising sea levels and increasing exposure to excess rainfall. Funds gained are not being used to improve sea defenses as fast as needed. Instead, projects are being undertaken that enable climate change to accelerate.
The world has now begun to turn its back on what our leaders have to say and our people are left with an ecotourism strategy that will become a nonstarter the more the Ali administration shifts away from its commitment of 100% renewable energy in favour of “energy balance”. Although energy balance will not solve the climate change problem faced by low lying states such as ours, our leadership has allowed themselves to go down the disastrous path of money over safety and health. If the events in Ukraine, Venezuela and Iran are not indicative of the additional problems that await those in the industry then what is? Is the blood of those in the Middle East, the blood of the Muslims, the blood of those in underdeveloped countries and the blood of those in countries which cannot defend themselves worth less than the revenue gained from oil and gas and other nonrenewable resources? Increasing dependence on these nonrenewable resources will also lead to more bloodshed. The energy from the sun is available to all of the people of the earth. This is a safer and healthier path to take towards energy security while also obtaining world peace.
The current administration’s recklessness and lust for revenue have exposed our nation to environmentally damaging chemicals, and radioactive waste, while poor monitoring by the EPA persists, they continue to give the nod of approval as our people remain impoverished. Wealth for the few over the health and prosperity of the masses is the path being chosen by the Ali administration.
If the government’s strategy for our nation has shifted to oil and gas and other nonrenewable climate detrimental energy sources the low carbon development strategy for Guyana must be adjusted accordingly. But be assured, this will defeat the purpose of the Guiana Shield and render it penetrable, defeating the importance and effectiveness of earth’s major hydrocarbon sink. As part of the Amazon, we must remember that we are an important member of the team of the last responsible gatekeepers who ensure the continual health of our planet. Guyana and other low-lying states cannot afford to allow the shortsightedness of a few individuals with an intense selfish desire for extreme wealth to destroy that which we have been entrusted to guard. Such desires have led to Guyana being a drug transit hub, it has also led to extensive corruption and it has diminished the safety and law and order in our Nation. We must guard against such destructive desires and pursue a path where wealth can be achieved without sacrificing that which is more important. Disregard for our responsibilities will lead to climate migration occurring and more global war. These are serious concerns previously raised by the UN Security Council. It is urgent that our Nation reconsider the new path being set by the current administration and make it a must to vote them out of office if they do not return to the pursuit of a 100% renewable energy agenda.
The stakes are greater than what they currently have to offer. Health of the land will deteriorate and so will the health of the population. The preemptive move by the administration to establish many specialized medical care facilities in the country is testament to their shift from prevention to correction when it comes to the health of our citizens. Health comes before wealth! They have once again taken the more lucrative approach, but it is also a less humane approach to taking care of our people. Don’t forget the high number of our citizens that are above 100 years old. They grew up in a healthy environment and some of the most difficult economic periods of our nation’s development. Money must not be the number one priority in our leaders’ decision making. Guyana and other likeminded nations must return to the commitments made during the Paris Agreement. It is not only in our best interest to do so, but it is also in the best interest of our planet.