Muizzu Disputes Sea-Level Rise Threat to Maldives
Photo: The President’s Office
President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed confidence in the climate resilience of the Maldives, disputing concerns about the islands’ vulnerability to rising sea levels due to climate change.
In his first interview with an international news agency on Al Jazeera’s Talk to Al Jazeera programme following his election victory, Muizzu addressed these pressing issues.
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When questioned about the potential threat of sea-level rise to the Maldives, despite global warnings regarding climate change and its potential to render 80 percent of the nation uninhabitable by 2050, Muizzu remained resolute in his belief in the country’s ability to withstand such challenges.
In his response, he pointed out that predictions and apprehensions about the Maldives’ fate in the face of climate change have persisted for decades, and the actual severity of the situation may not be as dire as initially suggested.
Muizzu noted that sea-level rise has not occurred at the alarming rate forecasted by some earlier estimates nearly five decades ago. He also highlighted that visitors to the Maldives would find that the situation on the ground is not as critical as initially predicted.
However, Muizzu underscored the overall seriousness of climate-related issues and reiterated his commitment to environmental protection, particularly during the construction of resorts and development projects.
Regarding the Maldives’ goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, Dr. Muizzu acknowledged that the technical and financial resources required to attain this vision are currently lacking. Consequently, he admitted that meeting the target of becoming a net-zero country by 2030 might be unattainable.
Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of persevering in pursuit of this goal. Dr. Muizzu affirmed the government’s dedication to investing in renewable energy projects and collaborating with relevant international organizations in their efforts to achieve a net-zero status.
