Climate change, global warming:

Minister calls for national policy

Disna Mudalige

Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa called for a national policy on climate change and global warming at international forums. He said the contribution of experts is highly valuable in developing an effective national program.

The Minister was addressing the Dialog Forum on Climate Change held at the Sovereign Corporate Hotel recently. He said the trade sector and the Western world is coming out with various proposals to impose bans on non-environmental friendly products in the global market.

“In future we will not be able to export our products without obtaining this licence. We have to be ready.

We also held a special discussion in this regard with the Finance Ministry Secretary. They will also look into it in a serious manner,” he said.

The next summit of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is to be held in Mexico. The Minister stressed the necessity to come to a common platform to voice the stand of the country strongly in these conferences.

Environment Ministry Climate Change Secretariat Director W L Sumathipala said world carbon dioxide emission is 390 parts per million, and if this level surpasses 400 the temperature would rise by another two degrees centigrade.