In her annual Commonwealth Day Message on Monday, March 10, 2008, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, called on all the 53 nations and the 2 billion people that comprise the Commonwealth to join hands in defense of the environment – with the richer and more affluent people and nations helping those facing higher risks with fewer resources.
“The impact of pollution falls unequally: it is often those who pollute the least – notably in the world's least-developed nations – who are closest to the razor's edge: most affected by the impact of climate change and least equipped to cope with it.
And it is important to remember that the environmental choices available in some countries may not be an option for others. In some parts of the world, for example, fossil fuels can be used more sparingly and buildings can be made of more efficient, sustainable materials; but it is far harder to expect someone to adapt if he or she relies on the trees of a local forest for fuel, shelter and livelihood. If we recognise the interests and needs of the people who are most affected, we can work with them to bring about lasting change.
Happily, this approach has always been a strength of the Commonwealth, and awareness of environmental issues is now widespread, with a determination that future generations should enjoy clean air, sufficient fresh water and energy without risking damage to the planet.”
The Queen pointed to the River Nile as an example of the need for environmental action and a metaphor for the global environment.
“The Nile, throughout history, has served humankind in many ways. But for all its impressive size and importance, this river is a fragile eco-system; and its vulnerability grows with the number of people dependant upon it, so that a single incident of pollution upstream may affect the lives of countless numbers downstream.
The example of the Nile illustrates many of the challenges facing the global environment as a whole which cannot alone sustain our lives as once it did. The competition for fresh water by a growing population is itself becoming a source of potential conflict. Our own attitudes to the environment, and the use we put it to, may have consequences for people on every continent and for every ocean and sea.”
At a meeting in Uganda in November 2007, leaders of the Commonwealth nations made tackling climate change a priority, although they stopped short of committing to binding targets for reducing their countries’ greenhouse gas emissions.
Several Commonwealth nations are feeling the effects of climate change and facing more serious threats in the future – from rising sea levels, flooding, desertification and other effects of global warming.
In conclusion of her speech, the Queen said that every person, business and institution in the Commonwealth has a responsibility to help protect and preserve the environment.
“In the Commonwealth, governments, businesses, communities and individuals should each strive to match words and good intentions with deeds. Every contribution has its part to play. Whatever we do, wherever we live, our actions in defence of the environment can have a real and positive effect upon the lives of others, today and into the future.”
God Save The Queen
Now let us hope that governments, as well as people, were listening and, more importantly, that they heed this message by Her Majesty.
Michael Smith (Veshengro), March 2008
The Queen Goes Green
