The National Parliaments bear a collective responsibility for the ratification of agreements on the protection of the environment and should also assure that these agreements are implemented, MP Charalampos Theopemptou has said.
The Cyprus Greens Parliamentarian as rapporteur of the 2nd Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, presented a report titled “The role of parliamentarians in tackling climate change”, during the 12th Annual Assembly that takes place in Bucharest.
Theopemptou referred to the results of the World Climate Change Conference (COP23), welcoming the intention of Syria and Nicaragua to ratify the Paris Agreement, as well as the commitment of a number of states to accelerate process in order to reduce energy production from coal.
He also welcomed the initiative to introduce the Talanoa Dialogue, a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue involving all citizens in order to share experiences, promote environmental awareness and take decisions to serve the collective interest.
Cyprus MP also referred to US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.
Referring in particular to the consequences of climate change in the Mediterranean, Theopemptou pointed out the need for further involvement of the Assembly of the Mediterranean in environmental consultations, as well as the need to strengthen the dialogue on the promotion of renewable energy sources.
The Plenary adopted a resolution calling on Member States to take all necessary legislative decisions to protect the environment, urging Parliaments to hold a regional summit on an annual basis to address the Mediterranean dimension of climate change.
The proceedings of Assembly will be concluded tomorrow with a debate on immigration and the protection of cultural heritage.
Τhe Cyprus delegation comprises MPs Yiorgos Georgiou (AKEL), Yiorgos Georgiou ( DISY), Christos Orphanides (AKEL) and Charalampos Theopemptou (Cyprus Greens).
MP Kyriakos Hadjiyianni is attending as the Rapporteur for the Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs of the Parliamentary Assembly of OSCE.
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