IT WAS only a few months ago I had penned a letter to your newspaper saying that there should be swift action taken by world leaders to prevent the dangers of climate change that threaten human existence.

The rising sea levels and the continuous catastrophic environmental changes no longer need to be debated. Countries in the Pacific region are the areas most prone to natural hazards which are likely to worsen as the planet’s temperature rises.

Island nations such as Kiribati, located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean, have seen some villagers already being forced from their homes as a result of rising sea levels.

What is heartening is that our country is promoting its Low Carbon Development Strategy not only for economic gains, but as a long-term initiative to combat the devastating effects of this phenomenon.

Guyana, I must say, is not the only country calling for an urgent and ambitious action, but other countries are now stepping up and showing leadership in the fight to deal with this issue.

The United Nations Development Programme recently announced that it would establish new systems and programmes to combat the potential dangers of climate change.

This is indeed encouraging, because they are all recognizing the serious long-term implications for many economies around the world.

It is a pity that some naysayers tend to view the glass half way, and don’t think about the positive effects of our country’s proposed low carbon solution.

Are these people concerned about the long-term effects of climate change? I don’t think so because if they do, they would support a solution that would help save our planet from eventual disaster.

This is no time for selfishness. The developed countries are reluctant to commit their nations to reduction of emissions because they fear that this will have some effect on their industrial output. Climate change will have a domino effect on all nations. All nations must join in the efforts being led by the poor countries. Guyana is a leader! Let’s support our own!