Written by  Michael Khan
IN an evolving world where climate change is inevitable, the Government of Guyana, through the Office for Climate Change, is currently enlightening the nation about its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which will assist in preserving Guyana’s rainforest and contribute to development of the nation.

In June 2009, former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo launched Guyana’s LCDS, which outlines the vision to promote economic development and combat climate change.
Addressing a gathering at the Corentyne Comprehensive High School Auditorium yesterday (Sunday Oct. 13), Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said Guyana has recognised the impact of climate change, and has decided to take early action through the LCDS, which is a plan to safeguard the lives of the future generation.
“It is also a plan to ensure that Guyana’s development will continue, and we recognise that if we do not stop the impact of climate change, the development that we have experienced will be reversed,” Dr Ramsammy declared.
Since one of the major contributors to global warming is tropical deforestation, addressing this issue has now become one of the global priorities for combating climate change.
Guyana, like most low-lying coastal states, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, with about 85% of the country covered in forest, the LCDS can play an important role in addressing climate change.
“When the Government says that we are going to preserve our forest, it does not mean that we are going to stop forestry. We will continue to earn an income in a sustainable way that Guyana can stand proud as a country with the largest pristine rainforest in the world,” Dr.Ramsammy stressed.

GUYANA’S VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Guyana is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, since approximately 90% of its population and 75% of the nation’s economic activities are found on the low coastal plain, which lies at between 0.5 and one metre below the level of the sea. The coastal plain is threatened by sea level rises, increases in storm surges, and changes in rainfall patterns. Any impact will have serious consequences for the country’s economy, particularly for the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors, which are highly sensitive to changes in climate.
The Minister of Agriculture said that planning for the future is an uphill task, but it is imperative that the Government of Guyana grasps the initiative and leads the way for global partners to follow.
“No matter what we do in our country, unless the whole world does something (to combat climate change), it is part of our reality. Whatever we do in response to this phenomenon, we must do it together,” Ramsammy alluded.
Guyana is playing an important role in the global effort to combat climate change. In November 2009, a Memorandum of  Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Norway and Guyana was signed regarding cooperation on issues related to the fight against climate change, in particular those concerning Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). In this regard, Norway has committed up to US$250M to 2015, depending on Guyana’s delivery of results.
The LCDS and agreement with Norway have gained international recognition, and are prime indicators to other developing countries that creation of a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy is possible. They also demonstrate that the world’s forests can be conserved without sacrificing the developmental aspirations of those who live in them.

UNITE FOR A WORTHY CAUSE
Pointing out that the LCDS does not serve the cause of any individual or political party, Dr Ramsammy called on members of the National Assembly to unite for a worthy cause. “When it comes to climate change and LCDS, our leaders must stand together. Political parties must quarrel, but there are things that are of national interest that all of us should unite (on),” He emphasised.
The minister also said the effects of climate change would not affect any specific group based on any particular persuasion. He reiterated: “The LCDS and what we need to do must not divide us, because when the impact of climate change descends upon us, it is not going to identify us by our politics.”

BE AWARE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Presidential Adviser and Head of the Office of Climate Change, Mr. Shyam Nokta, advised that attention be paid to the roles and functions of his office. “We have to ensure that we are aware of climate change and its impacts on our livelihoods, economic activity, and our communities. For this reason, we have to start thinking (about) how we can better plan and respond,” he stressed.
Many sectors in the country have already begun to integrate policies, legislation and programmes in line with addressing climate change. Some have also even developed specific climate change initiatives.
“If we are able to address deforestation, it means that we would be helping to make a significant impact in trying to curb the amount of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide that are put out in the atmosphere,” Nokta posited.
Guyana’s rainforest is the  principal natural asset, and Guyanese depend on the use of the forest for logging, agricultural and tourism activities.
To date, Guyana has received from Norway three payments totalling US$115M, and they represent the first international commitment of financial support to the LCDS.