President: Climate adaptation measures crucial for Maldives

Climate change is real, and the Maldives must have proper adaptation measures as the country carries out its development, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

He made the remark in an interview to CGTN during a state visit to China last week.

President Muizzu told CGTN that there is no denying that climate change is real.

“Climate change is real, and we are not denying any of it. But the most important thing is to have proper adaptation measures that we carry out in our development. And that’s the key for our country,” he said.

President Muizzu highlighted on the Rasmale’ project – a project to reclaim 1,100 hectors of land and develop it as a safe island.

“We are reclaiming it as a safe island that is going to be at three meters above sea level. There will be a lot of trees. It’s going to be a very green city,” he said.

He also noted the environmental initiatives he announced during the COP28 summit last year, including the project to plant five mission trees in five years, and to cut down fuel consumption by 33 percent, and eventually transition to entirely renewable energy sources.

“These kinds of adaptation measures are very important,” he said.

“Climate change is real, but the important thing is how to live together, how to adapt to these climate issues.”