World Environment Day
Press Conference of the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL A.Kyprianou on World Environment Day
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 5th June 2020, Nicosia
This year, World Environment Day finds Cyprus and the whole world in a very difficult position. Despite the fact that scientists have been warning for years that climate change and environmental degradation will lead to pandemics and effects on health, those who should have taken decisions did not.
It took a new virus, the confinement of millions of people in their homes and the reversal of our daily lives to realise it. The question, however, is whether we have all realised it, since many of the world’s powerful refuse to accept scientific views on the coronavirus.
Just a few days ago, Donald Trump eased existing regulations on emissions during the pandemic, despite the fact that many studies have already concluded that death rates are “significantly higher” in areas with worse levels of air pollution. The destruction of the biodiversity makes the outbreak of pandemics more likely. As with the impact of global warming, so the coronavirus is hitting society’s poorer strata in the worst possible way.
The coronavirus pandemic is likely to be followed by even more deadly and devastating manifestations of diseases, unless their roots – namely the rampant destruction of the natural environment – are stopped quickly, the world’s leading biodiversity experts have warned.
Recent pandemics are a direct consequence of the capitalist system that rewards economic growth at any cost. Dr. Peter Daszak (an expert in the ecology of diseases, especially in animal diseases), who is preparing the document of the United Nations Committee on the interrelationship between biodiversity, water, food and health, stressed just a few days ago that, “The uncontrolled deforestation of Forests, the unbridled expansion of agriculture, intensive farming, mining and development of infrastructures, as well as the exploitation of wild species have created a “perfect storm” for the outflow of diseases.”
These activities cause pandemics that bring more people into contact and displace or move animals from their natural environment, from which 70% of emerging human diseases originate. According to scientists, urbanization combined with the explosive growth of global air travel has permitted a harmless virus of Asian bats to bring unspeakable human suffering and stopped economies and societies all around the world. Such phenomena therefore are not accidental. They have causes. The human factor must do all it can on its part to confront these phenomena.
AKEL is struggling for a model of sustainable development based on fundamental social and environmental principles, such as the right of all, regardless of economic possibilities, but also of future generations, to a healthy environment. AKEL defends the principle of protection from every possible environmental damage and affliction, the respect for natural and human-made ecosystems and the rational management of finite natural resources, which it considers to be collective, social goods.
Within this framework, we propose the following:
- Full respect and compliance with the relevant legislations for Environmental Impact Assessments by projects, as well as Strategic Impact Assessments (just a few days ago Cyprus received letters from the EU with regards its non-compliance with these rules)
- Protection and preservation of biodiversity, proper management of mineral and water resources, protection of air quality, in combination with a strategy to reduce emissions and introduce best practices in the management of various waste streams. These are crucially important for preserving the environment, maintaining citizen’s health and safety.
- Strengthening the rational and sustainable utilization of Renewable Energy Sources for the benefit of society with the main focus on protecting the natural environment.
AKEL has for some years been publicly submitting its proposal for addressing the environmental problem. For AKEL, the main priority is the well-being of the people, within the framework of a sustainable ecological balance. It goes without saying that environmental protection does not mean the abolition of economic activity, nor the end of human development.
The scientists have stated that the multi-billion dollar economic recovery packages that will be allocated by governments must also be used to strengthen and protect the environment. This is precisely where policies must focus their attention on. Regrettably, instead, we are being led to the relaxation of environmental standards so that industries such as intensive agriculture and airline companies can be supported. But we must keep in mind that if we do not demand urgent and fundamental change, we will essentially be subsidising the occurrence of future pandemics.
During this critical period our planet is going through, as AKEL we are determined to inform and enlighten citizens about the threats and consequences of climate change and propose practical solutions that the only thing they can achieve now is to mitigate the phenomena. People’s health is closely linked to wildlife, animal and environmental health.
As AKEL we demand the elaboration of real plan to save the planet. The European Union, but also the rest of the countries must respond, both by allocating resources in this direction, but primarily by damping the rules of the free market, which have proven to be so flexible when the interests of the elite are threatened.
To do this, a lot of pressure and mobilisation from society itself and the people is demanded. AKEL is not just going to participate in this struggle, but is ready in cooperation with our country’s environmental movements and organizations to jointly organize proposals and actions in this direction.
The District Organizations of AKEL, in consultation and cooperation with the Central Bureau of Environmental Affairs of the C.C. of AKEL, have prepared for the next seven days numerous events/initiatives for the upgrading and protection of the environment.
AKEL Actions within the framework of 2020 Environment Week
In view of World Environment Day, AKEL District Party Committees are organizing the following activities:
AKEL Nicosia District Committee
Friday, June 5 at 12 noon: Visit and distribute informative material in the popular market of Strovolos.
Thursday, June 11: visit to Kato Moni for an on-site discussion with the residents of the area about the problems arising from the pig farms and slaughterhouse.
AKEL Limassol District Committee
Saturday, June 13: Cleaning of the Molos area and the beach, distribution of informative material.
AKEL Larnaca District Committee
An Online Children’s Painting Competition has been announced on the theme of the Environment. The paintings of the competition’s winners will be published in “Haravgi” daily newspaper on June 13.
Saturday, June 13: parallel cleaning and maintenance of the grounds where tree planting took place on 25/01/2020 within the framework of the mass tree planting initiative organised by the AKEL Larnaca District Organisation in honor of the 23rd AKEL Party Congress in 23 Municipalities and Local Communities of Larnaca district and distribution of informative leaflets with our policy positions.
Clean the beach coast in cooperation with the Larnaca District EDON Youth organisation
AKEL Famagusta District Committee
Saturday, June 13 at 10.00 am: clean the nature trail located in Ayioi Anargyroi, Kavo Greco area.
AKEL Paphos District Committee
Saturday, June 13: Distribution of informative material in central parts of the city.
