At a climate conference in Rome, which was attended by lawmakers and government officials, President Nasheed has said low carbon development is both possible and economically viable.

However, to address climate change and move to clean energy, he said, the climate issue must be conceptualised as an economic, financial and security issue.

He said that climate change was a very real threat to humanity but that there was “an organised scheme” in many developed countries against climate change.

He said climate deniers were able to stop the momentum gained after the Copenhagen, and that the only way to regain the momentum was 60s style street action. “Soon after the Copenhagen, sceptics started working,” added President Nasheed.

In his speech, President emphasised the importance of taking bold measures to combat climate change.

He said the world could no longer afford to ignore the signs, and that in the Maldives, people were already experiencing the effects of climate change.

“We have more than 16 islands where people have to be relocated, our fresh water is been contaminated… our ocean temperatures are rising and therefore fish stock is dwindling,” said the President.

The climate conference, entitled, “International Conference on Climate, Energy Environment: How to Build a New Global Deal” took place on Wednesday. The conference was organised by Centre for American Progress, Institute of European Democrats and Sustainable Future Centre.