Advisory council to oversee carbon-neutral plan

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President Mohamed Nasheed has announced he will be asking foreign governments to exempt Maldivians who wish to buy land abroad from taxation.

In the next 50 or 100 years, the president said, Maldivians should have the opportunity to settle in other countries and the government’s policy should be based on helping future generations to travel, study or work anywhere in the world.

Shortly before taking office, the president told a British newspaper he intended to set up a sovereign wealth fund to buy “a new homeland” in the event of a nationwide evacuation.

Most islands of the Maldives are 1.5 metres above sea-level, while scientists have predicted seas are likely to rise by up to 59cm by the end of the century.

But, the president said today, “I am not envisioning a government project with everyone walking in file to board a huge ship.”

Earlier this month, the president unveiled a scheme for the Maldives to become the first country to achieve carbon-neutrality by harnessing solar and wind energy.

Speaking at a press conference today on the formation of an advisory council on climate change, Nasheed said he hoped developed countries would follow Maldives’ lead and take action to reverse the effects of global warming.

“Our aim is for the Maldives to become an example and encourage larger countries to stop emitting poisonous gases into the atmosphere.”

The council will be chaired by Vice-President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and supported by a group of international climate and energy experts.

“This advisory council will set out detailed plans and a timeline for emissions cuts and other environmental measures to be implemented over the coming decade,” Dr Waheed said.

Responding to questions from journalists about the feasibility of the draft plan to achieve carbon-neutrality, Nasheed said: “We are now generating electricity by burning oil and there is nothing more costly than that.”

Conceding that the initial investment on renewable energy might be very expensive, the president said recurrent costs should be taken into account. Further, the import of oil had an adverse effect on the country’s balance of payments.

Environment minister Mohamed Aslam, a member of the council, said Maldives should not expect help without doing anything at home: “The policy of this government is that we will come out to the front ranks and show that we are ready to do this.

“We believe we are on the right path. God willing, our children’s children shall live in these isles.”