NATURAL Resources and Environment  Minister Robert Persaud is hopeful that Guyana’s economy will become green, as more alternative energy sources are utilised in the future. The Minister was at the time addressing the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other partners’ ‘Light-Out Concert’ at the National Park to mark Earth Hour 2015 on Saturday evening.

The event, held under the national theme, “Put Your Best Carbon Footprint Forward”, with songs, poetry, dances and the symbolic Lights-Off (from 8:30 to 9:30pm,) symbolised Guyana’s continued commitment to reducing climate change effects and its dedication to reducing its own carbon footprint.
Minister Persaud noted that Guyana has already been demonstrating a high level of consciousness and awareness in terms of what needs to be done to manage the environment. As Minister Persaud pointed out, at the national level, the country has its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which sets out the road map for ensuring its development is done in a low emission and low carbon pathway.
Guyana is one of a few countries that have adopted a low carbon strategy as a national development model. “This indicates political commitment and buy-in by the population that we will proceed in this direction,” Minister Persaud said.
He said that the country is also an example because it continues to demonstrate to the international community and the many skeptics, who believe that once ‘you talk environment and you do the things to protect the environment, that you will not have economic opportunities and jobs’.
“We have proven you can pursue sustainable development, that you can do the things that are climate friendly and at the same time you can grow the economy and create opportunities for our people,” he said.
Minister Persaud also pointed out that Guyana is the only one of two countries around the world that is receiving payment for eco-services.
“We have been able to put dollar figures on those concepts that many people doubted and have been skeptical about,” he said.
He said that the Earth Hour initiative is important to lift awareness and consciousness, and reaffirm a commitment that in moving forward, more is done locally that will have an international impact.
To this end, he challenged that the country resolve to end its dependency on fossil fuel for energy, and in so doing, become one of a few  countries to have done so. “Before 2020, Guyana should be proud to stand up and say to all that our energy source comes from renewable sources and particularly hydro,” he said.
Such a move makes sense, not only in terms of having an impact on climate change and reducing the emission, but is one that makes strong economic sense, the Minister noted. He pointed to the fact that the country will save the US$200M it currently  spends on fuel importation. It will also gain because it will create a green economy that will lead to new industries and green jobs.
Cities across the world were plunged into darkness for an hour to mark Earth Hour 2015. The initiative was established in 2007 in Australia by WWF, and is now celebrated in over 1,000 countries.