Minister for Environment and Renewable Energy Susil Premajayath recently stated that climate change is one of the key issues that the world is facing today and while cutting down emissions is key to addressing this, adaptation should be part of the development process.

He made these comments at the 4th Asia Pacific Adaptation Forum hosted by Malaysia recently.

He explained key steps that Sri Lanka will take to engage actively in tackling climate change.

“By 2020, 20% of the energy supply in Sri Lanka will be from renewable energy, and the forest cover in Sri Lanka will be increased from 29% to 35%,” the Minister added.

“Sri Lanka is a country which is very positive towards focusing on important global issues, and has a lot of experience in organising international events. This makes Sri Lanka an ideal country to host the Asia Pacific Adaptation Forum in 2016” he further said said.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the Adaptation Forum 2014 in Malaysia, Professor Marambe, Chair of National Expert Committee on Adaptation said, “As Sri Lankans, we support the mitigation efforts of the global community while focusing on the great need to adapt. There is also need for technology transfer to address climate change in developing countries.”

“ Sri Lanka is facing impacts of climate change, and we need to address them,” he said.

Signifying Sri Lanka’s commitment to addressing climate change, it has expressed interest to host the next Asia Pacific Adaptation Forum in 2016.

Over 500 climate change adaptation practitioners, public and private sector officials and top experts were present at the 4th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum 2014. With over 150 speakers and 30 sessions, the Forum is one of the key climate  events focusing on climate change adaptation in the region. A six member delegation comprising of policy makers, thematic experts and civil society actors and lead by Minister Premjayanth attended the event.