NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, stressed that “Lebanon is one of the countries highly affected by the impact of climate change, and studies prepared by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment have estimated that climate change will cause a decrease in Lebanon's gross domestic product and will exacerbate the current predicaments and crises, which requires resolute action by everyone in the short and long term."

Caretaker Premier Mikati’s words on Tuesday came in his word delivered at the UN climate conference (COP27), currently being held in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.

"Today, I am here with a message of hope that we were and will remain active partners in all the meetings that bring together the countries of the world to discuss common concerns and seek to resolve the accumulated crises. At the beginning, I must salute His Excellency President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who opened the doors of Egypt to hold this forum and provide all the requirements for its success. We thank Egypt for its continuous care and support to Lebanon, under the guidance of President al-Sisi. I also salute His Excellency the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, for all the efforts he is making to resolve international issues in all their directions. We also thank him for the United Nations’ support to Lebanon," Caretaker Premier Mikati said in his delivered word.

“Lebanon is one of the countries highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and studies by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment have estimated that climate change will cause a 14% drop in Lebanon’s GDP by 2040, and a further decline to 32% by 2080. I must point out herein that, despite all the challenges facing us, the Lebanese government has taken great strides in its response to combating climate change, as part of our national commitments to cooperate with other countries.” Caretaker Premier said.

============== L.Y