| Aziz Idris |
BRUNEI Darussalam yesterday formally joined the Paris Agreement on fighting climate change and called for cooperation and hard work from all relevant stakeholders in order for the country to abide by the commitments under the accord.
The High-Level Event on the Entry into Force of the Paris Agreement took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America, according to a statement issued by the Energy and Industry Department, Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam.
The ceremony was opened by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and attended by heads of state, heads of government, ministers and delegates of the parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
At the event, 31 countries, including Brunei Darussalam, deposited their Instruments of Ratification of the Paris Agreement.
According to the statement, the event followed the High-Level Signing Ceremony for the Paris Agreement that took place on April 22, 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America.
The Paris Agreement was adopted at the last 21st Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in Paris for countries to work to limit the rise of global temperature to well below two degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Depositing the Instrument of Ratification on behalf of the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar with the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. – EIDPMO
In a telephone interview, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin said Brunei is a coastal state that is vulnerable to climate change. “This is already evident by the volatile weather conditions that Brunei is facing ranging from flash floods to heavy rains that are a product of turbulent weather from neighbouring countries.
“It is in our best interest to contribute to the global climate change agenda as the work we do right now will affect the future generations in Brunei Darussalam.”
He said that ratifying the climate change agreement opens up opportunities for all relevant stakeholders to collaborate and be part of a global commitment in upholding the moral responsibility for the international community.
“Combating climate change also opens up possible economic and entrepreneurial opportunities from Brunei – where it is possible that some innovative entrepreneurs will come up with solutions for climate change and offer spin-off industries in Brunei,” he added.
The Energy and Industry Department, Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO) statement said, “Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office as the national focal point for climate change, under the Paris Agreement, will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders in setting realistic targets that take into account our future industry scenario, including our national emissions intensity reduction target.
“This is part of the preparation for the Nationally Determined Contributions document, which will be a legally binding document under the Paris Agreement, once it enters into force.
“The agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for at least 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, ratify the Paris Agreement.
“At present, 60 out of 197 countries, accounting for 47.62 per cent of global greenhouse gas emission, have ratified the Paris Agreement.
“Brunei Darussalam is one of the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement among Asean member states to ensure that it enters into force as early as possible.
“Brunei Darussalam’s contribution to the global greenhouse gas emission is and will remain relatively small.
“However, Brunei Darussalam is a small coastal state that is vulnerable to the impact of climate change and Brunei Darussalam is firmly committed, as part and parcel and a responsible member of the international community, to preserve the global environment and continue to be a symbol for environmental excellence for the Southeast Asian region.
“For Brunei Darussalam to abide by the commitments under the Paris Agreement, this would need cooperation and hard work by all relevant stakeholders.
“What would seem impossible, the international community has made it achievable to come together to agree to the Paris Agreement. Therefore, driving the Brunei Darussalam commitment to the Paris Agreement is not impossible with the determination and commitment by the government, private sector and the community at large. This will mainly be achieved through energy efficiency efforts, increasing deployment of renewable energy technologies in Brunei Darussalam, and to increase forest reserves up to 55 per cent of Brunei Darussalam’s total land area.
“Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to combating climate change is hoped to drive and open up more economic and entrepreneurial opportunities and innovation for the private sector in developing green technology and a subsequent ‘green economy’ in Brunei Darussalam.
“This would include ensuring that investment in Brunei Darussalam, including foreign direct investment, will be in line with our targets under the Paris Agreement and, in some instances, could in fact contribute to the environment and promotion of green technology such as the upcoming proposed investment in electric cars.
“This could be facilitated by technical assistance programmes and mechanisms offered under the UNFCCC where Brunei Darussalam will explore such options with the United Nations under this framework,” the statement added.
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