12/03/2012  "Now must be the time for action" - London's Green MEP leads debate on implications of climate change from London to South Asia

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, hosted her inaugural Spring Lecture at Senate House, University of London on Thursday, which highlighted the devastating and far reaching implications of climate change, from London to South Asia.

Jean, the Chair of the European Parliament delegation to South Asia, was joined by a panel of esteemed speakers from the world of international development, who discussed and stimulated ideas on potential global responses to the greatest environmental crisis of our times.

Keynote speaker, Saleemul Huq from the International Institute for Environment and Development focussed on the impacts of climate change on Bangladesh, where untold numbers are made homeless every year due to flooding.  Andreas Schild from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development talked about his experiences in working with local populations in adapting to the changes brought on by climate change, and Andrew Simms from the New Economics Foundation argued that failure to solve the world's ecological debt will have dire consequences for humanity.  A representative from the Bangladeshi High Commission was also present at the meeting.
 
Jean said: "Whilst most governments' eyes are on the gloomy economic forecast, a much bigger issue, the environmental crisis, is passing us by.  Climate change is a very real, ongoing problem with the consequences of our failure to act already visible in some parts of the world.  The people of Bangladesh are living day to day with the grave threats of rising sea levels, water scarcity and the increase of water borne diseases such as cholera, caused by a catastrophe which is largely not of their making.  What are they doing about a problem they didn't create?

"The poorest and most vulnerable are the first victims of climate change.  From South Asia to London, we all have a responsibility to take action which will prevent global warming and protect communities, and I hope Thursday's event provided an opportunity to stimulate debate on this most pressing of concerns.  Time is slipping away - now must be the time for action."

Footage of the event, including full speeches, will be available shortly.

News type: Press Releases