The Jagdeo Initiative on Climate Change

The Jagdeo Initiative on Climate Change
Guyana Chronicle, 8 December 2008

Presently, over 180 countries as well as observers from
intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations have assembled in
Bali, Indonesia, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The
main agenda of the conference is for countries to participate in
crucial international negotiations on the way forward to save the
planet from the devastating effects of global warming.

In an effort to fight against climate change, President Jagdeo has
introduced an initiative on climate change. The Jagdeo initiative was
first introduced at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting in
October and then again at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Business
forum in Kampala, Uganda, November of this year.

President Jagdeo’s initiative calls for developed countries to give
market-based incentives to developing countries, who can offer their
rainforest in service of the world’s fight against climate change.

It is a known fact that developed nations are guilty of contributing
the most carbon dioxide emissions to the environment, the leading
contributing factor to global warming. In fact, the United States alone
contributes 25% of carbon dioxide emissions.

The Jagdeo initiative and India’s initiative on climate change are
consistent. Also, in the United Kingdom, President Bharrat Jagdeo’s
initiative has been featured on the BBC and Sky News.
Elizabeth Daly