Poster exhibition on climate change

Chamikara Weerasinghe

A poster exhibition on the impact of climate change will be held from March 12 to 17 at the Public Library , Colombo , organised by the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry and Swiss Embassy aimed at increasing awareness among schoolchildren and the public on global warming and challenges posed by climate change.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka and Swiss Ambassador Ruth Flint will inaugurate the exhibition.

Minister Champika Ranawaka said, spells of droughts , floods and bush fires have contributed to the condition of the Earth getting hot up . Unplanned cultivations in watersheds and hilly and forested regions, and also clearing of lands for human settlement have contributed to this situation.

He said., inaction by developed countries to minimize carbon emissions during fuel usage has brought about a serious impact on the planet. As pointed out by the Minister the lack of commitment in fully implementing the Kyoto protocol is one of the main contributory factors for the current situation.

Ministry Secretary D.R.D. Jayatilleke said, those who live close to the sea are the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

He said that the people in coastal areas will have to face a lack of water due to sea water seepage into wells in close proximity to the sea as a result of global warming and the rise of sea water levels to be expected in the future.

He said, tourism, health and agriculture will be severely affected.