PM Modi launches initiative for infrastructure development of small island countries

Modi said, “Last few decades have proved that no one is untouched by the wrath of climate change. Be it developed countries or countries rich in natural resources, it is a big threat to all.”

“But here too, the biggest threat from climate change is to the ‘small island developing states – SIDS’. It is a matter of life and death for them; it is a challenge to their survival. Disasters can literally take the form of catastrophe for them.

Small island developing states face the biggest threat from climate change, the prime minister said, adding India’s space agency ISRO would give them timely information on cyclones, coral-reef monitoring and shore-line monitoring via satellites. A special data window will be created to provide

The launch took place on the second day of the World Leaders Summit and Modi was accompanied by his British counterpart Boris Johnson, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and leaders from Mauritius, Fiji and Jamaica. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present.

The IRIS initiative is a part of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure which will focus on capacity building with pilot projects especially in small island developing states.

Speaking on the occasion, Johnson said small island states are on the front lines of harm and loss from global warming.

“They have done virtually nothing to cause a problem, they have not produced enormous amounts of CO2 to be pumped into the atmosphere,” he said. The UK is contributing financially to the IRIS initiative. “We’re also moving forward,” Johnson said.

On his part, Scott Morrison of Australia thanked India and the UK for the leadership of CDRI. “I acknowledge the Quad support, including support from the US and Japan, for India’s CDRI.”