President Dr. Irfaan Ali underscored the pivotal role of Guyana’s forests on the global stage, emphasizing the significance of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) during the Concordia Annual Summit held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Addressing the theme “Underneath the Green Transition: The Oil Industry,” President Ali asserted that Guyana stands at the forefront of forest management, conservation, and utilizing its forests as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
The President articulated that Guyana’s forests will be instrumental in mitigating global climate challenges, while the LCDS is poised to shape an economy that is both balanced and sustainable for 2030 and beyond. He emphasized that under the LCDS, the country aims to foster economic development while actively pursuing net-zero goals.
President Ali expounded on the LCDS as a comprehensive approach to achieving equilibrium in managing the environment, safeguarding livelihoods, fostering economic prosperity, addressing inequities, and meeting the aspirations of Guyana and the global community in a balanced manner.
When queried about Guyana’s dual pursuit of oil production and forest conservation in the context of climate action, President Ali affirmed that this vision is not mere rhetoric, but a tangible reality. He affirmed the nation’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix beyond reliance on oil and gas, incorporating natural gas, solar, and wind sources.
Looking ahead to Guyana in 2030 and beyond, President Ali articulated his vision for a sustainable, resilient, highly competitive, and operationally efficient nation that takes a leadership role in global issues encompassing climate action, energy, and food security. He additionally called for more nuanced discussions surrounding net-zero targets and advocated for the establishment of a structured market for the sale of forest carbon credits.
Former Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez, a participant in the discussion, lent support to Guyana’s stance, suggesting that revenues from oil production could be directed towards transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
President Ali’s resolute stance at the Concordia Annual Summit signals Guyana’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development on the global stage.
Reported by Josiah Williams, NCN News