Recently, a reckless columnist for a local private newspaper pontificated that should Copenhagen fail, the President must resign. This statement is not only irresponsible, but malicious. It shows that the columnist, a university lecturer, has no understanding of what is currently happening with respect to Copenhagen. His hatred for this administration and Head of State is known. One would not expect different from his poisonous pen. However, when such a misguided person would wickedly use something with potential dire consequences to man’s existence for cheap political slander and mileage, it warrants a response.

The evidence of climate change is irrefutable. Much has been written about the disparity in climatic conditions around the world. If there were doubts, the events of the last few weeks provided the best mechanism for their clearing. Tsunami in the Samoan Islands, floods and mudslides in the Philippines and India, earthquake in Indonesia and droughts and wildfires in other parts are just an inkling of the enormous changes the planet has undergone; changes that speak of a climatic Armageddon in the future. For this to be avoided serious actions need to be taken now.

Land masses in parts of the globe are fast disappearing; the same for glaciers. The recent natural disasters mentioned, resulted in some villages being wiped out with millions displaced. The harsh experiences of those affected would be unimaginable for us here. Five million in India alone; seven times the population of Guyana! Scientists predict that if nothing substantial is done immediately, it will get worse increasing the threat to man’s existence.

The wealthy nations which contribute daily to polluting the now fragile atmosphere are being beseeched by the vast number of net non-polluters affected as a result, to cut emissions. Many are advocating for the rich countries to do what is necessary to ensure that emissions are cut so the planet can be saved. The first phase of the Kyoto Protocol will soon come to an end when issues pertaining to the climate and preservation are discussed in Copenhagen, Denmark later this year.

Over the years, intense lobbying from influential personalities has heightened the awareness of global warming. Former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, has been relentless in his crusade to bring to the fore the damage earth has sustained. Renowned actor Harrison Ford is part of this advocacy, so is President Bharrat Jagdeo. These are some of the leading voices for a cleaner and greener planet. In the case of President Jagdeo, his vision and strategy for avoided deforestation and sustainability in a low carbon environment have been recognised and lauded across the international spectrum.

His advocacy and commitment in this regard has resulted in him been invited to participate in many international high profile forums which focus on the preservation of the planet. Whilst the decision to cut emissions ultimately rest with the developed countries, President Jagdeo has shown, through Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), that a small country can have a voice and lead the way on global issues. Earlier this week, the World Bank reiterated its support for Guyana’s thrust on climate change. This follows the support given by world Leaders, including the Australian and Norwegian governments.

The Bank, articulating its support, was in high praise for Guyana’s open and transparent national consultations on the LCDS, dismissing the spurious claims by the PNCR that the consultations were a sham. What President Jagdeo has done is skillfully advance and gain support for Guyana’s position on avoided deforestation and the low carbon thrust. This will be presented at the upcoming crucial meeting in Denmark. This and other aspects of preservation will also be discussed.

At this meeting, each country has a voice. Guyana and likeminded countries can bring to bear some pressure in an effort to urge an agreement which includes cutting of green house gas emissions to an acceptable level. Ultimately, the percentage that may be cut rests with the developed world. It is hoped that the pressure Guyana and likeminded countries can exert will lead to an endorsement of the proposed cut. The point to note is that irrespective of President Jagdeo and his likeminded colleagues’ relentless efforts in championing the related causes, the outcome of Copenhagen involves decisions that must be made by the leaders of the developed industrialised countries.

Come Copenhagen, President Jagdeo and his colleagues referred to, would have done their utmost. This brings me to the point I want to make in response to the columnist mentioned. It relates to Brazil’s recent winning bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The countries short listed were Japan, Spain, the United States and Brazil. All lobbied relentlessly for their own. It’s only natural. President Barrack Obama and his wife, Michelle, did their charming best to win the confidence of those who determined the host city.

President Obama, Michelle, the Prime Ministers of Japan and Spain and the President of Brazil, knew that despite their best and extravagant lobbying efforts, the decision rested solely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The residents of the four finalists also knew that; so did the rest of the world. That’s why the ceremony to announce the host city is one of glamour and is televised around the world. That’s why millions of residents from the four countries waited in party-like atmosphere with high expectations that their country would have won.

In this case only one city can win; Brazil did for 2016. Should the Prime Ministers of Japan and Spain resign given their countries’ failure to win the bid? Should President Obama resign given that Chicago has failed in its quest to host the 2016 games? The answer is not only a resounding no; the question should not even be contemplated. The fact that the columnist has ventured to posit such a ludicrous statement regarding President Jagdeo and Copenhagen speaks volume of his lack of understanding of international procedures and his ability for skewed analyses.

He currently basks in the freedom of expression and pens a daily column. Analysis of these columns shows a high propensity for inaccuracies, character assassination and fantasy-like predictions. He writes nothing of substance despite his daily presence. Audio versions of his columns would basically be described by a local adage pertaining to noise; “empty barrels make the most…”.