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by pltm
(PLTM) - As various leaders grapple with ways to tackle global warming, while others seeing it as just a myth, Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering wants the people of the BVI to understand the negative impact of global warming.
Addressing students and residents at the recently held Arbour Day event at the First Impressions School in Johnson’s Ghut, Dr. Pickering, who also has responsibility for the environment, said the BVI must understand that climate change is real.
“The important thing about climate change is that it is very real, and as simple as it may seem, whatever we do by way of trying to prevent and mitigate against the effects of climate change, it is extremely important,” Dr. Pickering stated.
The Deputy Premier added, “And one of the ways to continue to do that is to continue to green the earth, and we green the earth by growing trees. And so as simple as it seems, planting trees is contributing to the effects of climate change.”
He went on to state that it is also extremely important to point out that climate change will affect small island developing states.
“Anybody who lives on an island anywhere in the world are the ones who are going to be most affected by climate change, because rising sea levels are going to affect coastal communities and people who live on islands by and large live on the coast,” he noted.
Dr. Pickering further explained, “So whether you live in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean or Pacific Ocean, climate change is very real because it is important for us to understand there aren't many oceans. There is only one ocean, it pervades the entire earth. So what we do here today, as simple as it may seem, it is extremely important.”
At that same event, Dr. Pickering vowed to protect the environment of the BVI.
“My love for the environment of this country is something that I am deeply committed to because I see the environment as an infinite resource," he said.
Arbour Day was observed under the theme, “Sage Mountain: A Living Legacy” and highlighted the relationship and importance of plants and people.
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