The statement of PAM President for the 7th Summit of the Speakers for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM)

The fight against climate change in the Mediterranean Region: a priority challenge

3 December Statements and Communication1

 

Excellences, Estimated Colleagues, 

It is my pleasure to address the 7th Summit of Speakers of the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean in my capacity as the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. Our Assemblies share many members and complement each other. I wish to thank the three co-Presidencies, and in particular my friend President Sassoli, for convening this meeting on such an important topic at the top also of PAM’s agenda.

The Mediterranean region is a hotspot for climate change. Besides its multiple physical consequences, climate change has critical effects on the socio-economic wellbeing of our citizens. The complexity of tackling this issue stems from its multitude of impacts and there is the need for the contribution of all the stakeholders, from governments and NGOs to private companies and individuals.

Since 2015, PAM is fully involved in COPs. I personally addressed the COP 26 in Glasgow. In 2022 Egypt, one of the key members of PAM, will host COP 27. PAM is already coordinating with the colleagues in Cairo to bring the parliamentary contribution by Mediterranean and Gulf countries. You all know that the average increase of 1.5 degree Celsius has been registered long ago in our region. 

Climate change and other environmental emergences are strictly linked to sustainable economic solutions. A green renaissance of the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions is key to prevent future economic setbacks. Businesses and legislators must promote policies that incentivize and support green energy transition.

Climate change has a direct impact also on international security. The crises that will follow desertification, extreme weather events, scarcity of water, food insecurity, to mention a few, shall be much more destabilising for the PAM regions than conflicts and pandemics of the past. We all know that environmental degradation will be accompanied by new geopolitical shifts and mass migrations. We urge all countries to join forces. Interconnected threats require us to find common solutions for our mutual benefit and wellbeing.

Finally, climate change and environmental protection will be the main topics of PAM 14th edition of the Day of Mediterranean. Established by PAM national parliaments in 2008, and celebrated the 21 March of every year, next edition of the Day of Mediterranean will involve children of all schools of our regions working on the theme: The work of our parliamentarians to protect our Planet and our homes

Let me conclude by congratulating the Speaker of Morocco for assuming the Presidency of this Assembly. We have already met in Madrid and we shall work in a complementary way to promote peace, security and prosperity for our people using the comparative advantages and expertise of the two Assemblies.