-on World Environment Day
-by David Clarke
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has renewed calls for robust international action on climate change, reaffirming Guyana’s steadfast commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
The Head of State made the remarks today in observance of World Environment Day.
In his message, President Ali highlighted Guyana’s expanding leadership role through the Global Biodiversity Alliance, emphasizing the critical need for collective action to protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience worldwide.
President Ali stressed that there has never been a more urgent time for nations to demonstrate ambition and commitment in confronting the global climate crisis.
He noted that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, seen in rising sea levels, powerful storms, devastating floods and landslides, prolonged droughts, and destructive forest fires worldwide.
The President stated that nature is sending humanity a clear message, and Guyana is both listening and acting. He pointed to Guyana’s protection of more than 80 percent of its land mass as forest cover, describing the country’s forests as a “green treasure” that absorbs carbon, protects biodiversity, and sustains life.
President Ali also underscored Guyana’s commitment to preserving protected areas and safeguarding vast freshwater resources, especially as water scarcity becomes an increasing concern globally.
“Guyana, a small state, is providing leadership an example in the global fight to protect the World’s environment through its LCDS, Guyana has demonstrated the development in environment, responsibility can go hand in hand. Through this practice Guyana has proven that a nation can grow while protecting nature,” he said.
President Ali emphasized that climate action requires urgent and collective commitment, warning that the consequences of inaction continue to threaten communities and ecosystems around the world.
“World Environment Day must become a call for urgency, the planet cannot wait, the time for hesitation has passed, the time to act is now, so I call upon all in the global community, come together act together, as we confront this existential threat to our planet and humanity,” he added.
World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 and serves as the United Nations’ principal platform for encouraging awareness and action on environmental issues.