The Maldives is an water-bound island nation, and like many, has fears over the possible impact of climate change and global warming on its existence. Saturday, the President and cabinet took to the ocean, or rather, beneath the ocean, to highlight those concerns.
President Mohamed Nasheed chaired the meeting, wearing scuba gear, as did Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed and 11 cabinet ministers. The meeting took place around a table, but in 16 feet of water.
The Cabinet signed a declaration calling for carbon emissions cuts, to slow climate change, while underwater. The attendees used waterproof pencils to sign the declaration, title "SOS from the frontline," printed on a white plastic slate. It will be presented before the landmark U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December.
The Maldives faces the possibility that it will be swamped if sea levels continue to rise due to climate change and global warming. The Maldives is an archipelago of about 1,200 coral islands SSW of India. Most of it is less than five feet above sea level.
At the meeting, the Cabinet signed a declaration calling for global cuts in carbon emissions that will be presented before a U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December.
To raise funds for coral reef protection, the ministers signed their wet suits, which will be auctioned, the President's Web site said. The president added, via his website, that the country is trying to send a message to the world about climate change and global warming.
President Nasheed was elected in November. At the time, he said it might be necessary to find a new homeland for the country's 396,000 residents. He said, "We will invest in land. We do not want to end up in refugee tents if the worst happens."
The Maldives has already broached the subject with some countries. Some have been receptive. Those currently under consideration are India, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
Written by Michael Santo
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