The Parrot is in a serious mood today. The scorching heat has gotten to me. Its subsequent bush-fires are becoming unhealthy and dangerous. I have squawked many a time before about the dire consequences of the rise in global temperatures. Over recent years, the planet has warmed up. The evidence to confirm this is astonishing. Melting ice caps, increased intensity in rainfall, massive flooding, mudslides and prolonged drought and its related wildfires are just a glimpse of the changes evident from this increased warmth. What is even more striking is that the changes mentioned occur simultaneously in various parts of the globe.

Scientists have confirmed the frightening reality; if nothing significant is done quickly, especially by the wealthy nations, man’s existence will be threatened in the long run. Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” not only highlights the disparity in these cataclysmic weather patterns, but points to an impending Armageddon. If this sounds scary, then it has served its purpose. Climate change has already impacted the globe so much so that if all contributing factors cease immediately, the current damage would take decades to reverse.

The concurrent weather patterns mentioned are far more pronounced than what obtained a decade or two ago. Many low lying countries, including ours and those of the Caribbean Region, are under grave threat. Some countries which are above sea level are still threatened since continuous rise in sea levels will eventually take its toll. In Guyana, while we may be fortunate to have a large portion of our land mass being high, the overwhelming majority of the populace and economic activities lie along the coastline.

To say shifting the populace and economic activities found on the coast to higher ground is challenging would be a gross understatement. The choices available are few. Developed and industrial countries must lead the way in ensuring that emissions damaging to the environment are significantly cut. The longer this takes to happen, the more irreversible the damage becomes; the more the threat to our existence exacerbates. For the preservation of our future, world leaders must possess and demonstrate the will to so confront the challenges a warming globe and changing weather patterns pose.

This obligatory will has been passionately displayed by our President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Yes, a small country like ours with a population way below a million has shown fervently, through Mr. Jagdeo, what is needed from other world leaders in dealing with this climatic threat to mankind. He has shown that despite Guyana’s size in land mass and its economy, it can make a significant contribution to help in the reversal of the current global unpredictable climatic conditions.

Guyana endowed with pristine forest, the vast majority of which remains untouched, has argued that countries with such forests should be financially compensated for keeping them intact. Forests are the lungs of the world. Simply put, they absorb carbon dioxide which is present in high concentrations in industrial emissions and from the use of fossil fuel. In addition to this, tropical deforestation contributes up to one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emission. In other words, cutting the forest leads to increased carbon in the atmosphere.

Mr. Jagdeo has been relentless in his efforts to not only heighten the awareness of the benefits of avoided deforestation, but has presented a comprehensive plan for financial compensation for countries to keep their forest intact, hence, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). These countries, including Guyana, have economic activities that are dependent on the forest. As such, for avoided deforestation to become a reality, the wealthy nations that pollute the globe must support the mitigating efforts that Guyana and similar countries offer if the current climatic trends are to be reversed.

Guyana’s position as articulated by President Jagdeo, has been recognised and has been gaining support from prominent world leaders, scientists, celebrities and related organisations. Last week, renowned actor Harrison Ford and Australian leader Kevin Rudd were just two of the many outstanding personalities who lauded Guyana’s efforts in helping to mitigate climate change. Guyana’s low carbon strategy was given a high profile in meetings and other activities held in New York last week. This not only augurs well for Guyana and its LCDS, but also for countries with similar forest potential.

In addition, it has brought world attention to what Guyana has to offer and has shown that despite its size, a country like ours, small as we are, can have a big voice and can lead the way on global issues. Our brand as the nation of Jonestown is rapidly dissipating as the recognition of our charting a new course in helping to lessen the effects of climate change dominates. President Jagdeo has ensured that Guyana’s low carbon strategy has been given a very high profile. Perched high on a tree branch, the pride exudes. Squawk! Squawk!