The Sri Lankan government will soon outline a comprehensive road map and will appoint experts to help the country fight climate change and cut greenhouse gas emissions to a Carbon-Net Zero by 2050, local media reports said here Thursday.
Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera quoted in the media reports said Sri Lanka intended to increase green spaces which will help trees absorb the carbon dioxide emitted by industry and other processes, and had approved to draw up a road map and to appoint a committee of experts to do so.
The minister added the proposed road map will be developed subject to be revised every five years so it will be relevant to socio-economic developments.
Sri Lanka will also look to strengthen the Sri Lanka Climate Fund Ltd. which operates under the Environment Ministry and was established to contribute to the work of reducing carbon emissions.
Amaraweera said he hoped strengthening responsibilities and functions of the fund will enable it to maximize its contribution required to make Sri Lanka a Carbon-Net Zero country by 2050.
Sri Lanka's high temperatures, unique and complex hydrological regime and exposure to extreme climate events make it highly vulnerable to climate change.
Sri Lanka ranked 31st in the 2019 Global Climate Risk Index which the government termed as "worrying".
Editor: Kelly
