UNFCCC Public Lecture (18 Oct)

Mr Low received an email invitation to attend a UNFCCC Public Lecture on 18 Oct. The event, organized by S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held from 4.30 to 6 pm at Shangri-La Hotel.

During the Public lecture, Ms Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), spoke on the topic: “ Climate Change: Why We Need a Multilateral Solution. ”

Ms Christian Figueres spoke on the urgency of climate change and what UN and various countries are doing to curb climate change. She spoke about increasing energy efficiency to reduce green house gas emissions. She encouraged the young generations to utilize social media such as the internet & facebook to raise issues on climate change.

The presentation was followed by a 45 mins Q & A session.

  

During the Q & A, Mr Low raised a suggestion to promote meatless days as a means to reduce green house gas emissions and conserve the food and water resources of the world.

He cited the findings of a UNEP 2010 report: “A Substantial reduction of impacts (on the environment) would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change away from animal products” to support his view.

Ms Christian Figueres acknowledged that producing meat uses a lot of resources in the world. She commented that people would reduce meat consumption for health reason more than for environmental reasons. Ms Christian Figueres recommended that the Health department, rather than the Environment department, could assist to promote meatless days.