“THE Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MCDMM) Permanent Secretary Dr. Melchior Mataki says COVID-19 has forced his ministry to put climate change behind.
“He made this response when members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Opposition Leader Mathew Wale queried if the ministry is still prioritising climate change amidst this COVID-19 pandemic.
“Wale said that as the impacts of COVID-19 on the country stretch into 2020 there is a real risk that longer-term strategic action on climate change will take a back seat.
“He added that this means the country’s small atoll islands will struggle to keep up with rising tides risk losing further ground.
“What is happening or not happen concerning sea level rise and climate change?” Wale questioned.
“Dr Mataki in his response said that yes his ministry has to put climate change issues aside due to the restrictions they have on their resources that were allocated to do that particular work.”
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