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Make America green again

07 Nov 2020

While the world watched the shambolic state of elections in the world’s foremost democracy, many questioned why Sri Lankans should care so much about the election of the “Leader of the Free World”. If nothing else, Sri Lankans have a vested interest in the health of our planet, and the outcome of this US election is set to have a considerable impact on unified action against climate change. Early in his term, Donald Trump rejected the environmental commitments made by the Obama administration and overturned a swathe of his predecessor’s climate regulations. The renouncement of the Paris Agreement came into effect on 4 November, as the bruising election campaign amid chaotic handling of Covid-19 came to an ignominious end. Joe Biden has promised to recommit to the Paris Agreement on his very first day in office. Compare Trump’s environmental performance against that of his arch rival in China; the Communist Party earlier in the week unveiled its 14th five-year plan which prioritised innovation-driven, technology-led sustainable growth along with a gradual opening of its economy. The strategic roadmap called for green transformation of both business and personal lifestyles. As the largest emitter of carbon in the world (28% of global emissions), China needs to do much more, but at least it targets carbon neutrality by 2060 and is on the right path to meet the commitments of the Paris Agreement. 195 countries are signatories to the agreement which seeks universal action on climate change; it includes a mix of binding and non-binding provisions but requires member nations to submit a national plan of action whereby targets can be met. Sri Lanka has been a signatory to the agreement since 2016, but awareness of its commitments (including 100% renewable energy by 2050) are limited to policymakers and a handful of those working in the environmental sciences. The Gotabaya Rajapaksa manifesto had multiple climate policies enshrined within. However, the breath and extent of their implementation, and the path it sets for the next decade and beyond, remain to be seen. As an island, a developing nation, and one caught in superpowers’ geopolitical battles, Sri Lanka has much to gain from the Paris Agreement. While every contribution counts, we need those with larger footprints (China, America, India, Russia, and Japan make up the top five) to take firm action because the consequences weigh heavier on countries such as ours. Sri Lanka’s temperature is already considered to be above optimal levels; our agriculture-based economy needs predictable weather patterns; we need the protection of those beaches that are so intrinsic to our tourism offering; our Ceylon tea must retain its values to command premium prices – all these, and much more, depend on managing climate change. Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was on the basis of the disadvantages and unfairness he saw to the American job market, manufacturing industries, and the industry through energy restrictions, blocks on coal, contributions to the Green Climate Fund, and others. But it’s important to note that many large businesses, including American ones, are still doing their part for climate change because it makes business sense. The private sector is a key stakeholder in battling climate change; meaningful corporate action of scale is essential for governments to achieve progress. Nearly 1,400 influential businesses including Unilever, Mahindra, Tata, Google, Dell, Danone, Coca-Cola, and British Telecom are part of the “We Mean Business” coalition on climate change. Coalition member Ikea, for example, set a target of producing more energy than it consumes by 2020; the company invested $ 2.7 billion in renewable energy and achieved its ambition a year ahead of schedule. But why should business in Sri Lanka care? Because no one will be resilient to the impact of climate change; every business and every life will experience its effects. It will be a key business risk, affecting resources and supply chains. On the plus side, climate action also brings business opportunities in new products and services that cater to changing demands and growing consumer awareness. Furthermore, while Sri Lankan businesses may not have experienced their significant impact yet, the commitments of the Paris Agreements bring with them funding opportunities for climate financing and eco-based development. Climate-smart investment is a growing market, with FDI (foreign direct investment) interest in sustainable infrastructure and transport. Businesses and communities are key allies of states in pursuing climate action; Sri Lanka is in need of wider awareness of the subject among both its private and public sectors. Bill Gates recently warned: “If you want to understand the kind of damage that climate change will inflict, look at Covid-19 and spread the pain out over a much longer period of time.” It’s in everyone’s best interest to take action.  

Kapruka

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!


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