The Vice President says today’s activities are extremely important to bring the CO2 level down to 350ppm

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said the activities that were taking place around the world as part of the “International Day of Climate Action”, initiated by 350.org, were extremely important to bring the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration level down to 350 parts per million.

The aim of International Day of Climate Action was to bring to the attention of world leaders who participate in the Copenhagen Summit that the level of carbon concentration in the atmosphere is at threatening levels.

350 parts per million is the highest level of carbon concentration in the atmosphere to sustain the livelihood on the earth. The current level of carbon concentration in the atmosphere is estimated to be at 387 parts per million. The aim of this activity is to bring this level down to 350 parts per million.

Speaking from underwater, while diving to participate in the underwater protest organised by the Divers’ Association of Maldives to take part in the global action, the Vice President said, currently the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was too high.

“World community has to do whatever is necessary to bring down this level to 350”, said the Vice President.

In addition to diving underwater to participate in the underwater protest this afternoon, the Vice President took part in the bicycle ride around Malé along with the members of the Cabinet. The bicycle ride of the Cabinet around Malé was organised by the Divers’ Association of Maldives and Sunfront.

Earlier, the Vice President also attended a function held by the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) to promote the campaign. Dr Waheed inaugurated the activities organised by MWSC by printing his hand on a 350 logo banner, which was followed by hand printing on the banner by the management and the staff of the company. The hand print was a pledge of commitment to promote and enhance environment friendly practices by the Company.

Number of other activities are taking place in Malé and other islands of the Maldives to mark the “International Day of Climate Action”.