Natural disasters indicate climate changes: Minister<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Although Indonesia contributes little to the
\nglobal cumulation of harmful greenhouses gases it is determined
\nto play a significant role in the campaign to reduce the effects
\nof the resulting climatic changes, according to an official.<\/p>\n
State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja cited the
\nresult of a recent Inventory of Greenhouse Gases Emission and
\nSinks, which reports the carbondioxide (CO2) net emission level
\nin Indonesia is minus 0.7 giga ton.<\/p>\n
This means that in the world's CO2 emission balance system,
\nIndonesia absorbs 0.7 giga tons of the entire CO2 emitted to the
\natmosphere every year. The cumulative global emission level was
\nset at 610 giga ton in 1990, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
Despite its good record, Indonesia is \"still committed to
\ntaking necessary action for global and national ...
\nactivities ... to reduce future emission increases,\" he said
\nFriday in an address to participants at an international workshop
\non climatic changes in Bogor, West Java.<\/p>\n
Sarwono also said Indonesia assumed a significant, strategic
\nposition with respect to control over global climatic change.<\/p>\n
The government, in an effort to ensure Indonesia remains one
\nof the world's CO2 absorbers (carbon sinks), has launched various
\nprograms and policies aimed at conserving the country's natural
\nresources, such as sustainable forest management, expansion of
\nconservation areas and diversification of energy sources by
\nreplacing fossil-based fuels with renewable fuels, such as solar
\npower.<\/p>\n
The five-day workshop, attended by representatives from 118
\ncountries, discussed each countries action plan in anticipation
\nof global climatic change.<\/p>\n
Sarwono also described in his speech the recent natural events
\nnot seen here before that were the result of climatic changes. He
\ncited high waves on the Sunda Straits in late 1996 and the 1994
\nIndonesian drought.<\/p>\n
He admitted no research had been conducted to prove the
\nclimate was indeed undergoing changes, but that it seemed to have
\ndeviated recently from its usual pattern.<\/p>\n
The climatic change, which includes global warming, will
\nadversely affect the Indonesian economy and aspects of society,
\nhe pointed out. Climate changes could cause disorder in the
\ncurrent planting seasons, he cited as an example.<\/p>\n
Therefore, he went on, Indonesia is taking measures to
\nminimize the effects of the climatic change.<\/p>\n
Although scientists have predicted the real effects climatic
\nchange will be felt only in the next 50 years, Indonesians must
\nbe made aware of the adverse impact the changes may bring about.<\/p>\n
The community must realize, for example, that forest burning
\nwill produce greenhouse gases such as CO2, which help to
\nintensify global warming.<\/p>\n
Efforts which may curb the rate of climatic change, such as
\nforest conservation and the use of renewable energy, must be made
\nwell known among the community, he said. (swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/natural-disasters-indicate-climate-changes-minister-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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