Emerging Trends in Environmental Legislature: Business Opportunities for Collaboration

The Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, supported by Dilmah and MAS Holdings, hosted a conversation on climate conversation led by Dr. Lalanath De Silva, Head of the Independent Redress Mechanism of the Green Climate Fund, UNFCCC. The event was held on 17th September 2018 at the MAS Innovation Centre (HIVE).

 

The panel consisted of Dr. Lalanath De Silva, Dr. Nirmalie Pallewatta from the University of Colombo and Mr. Avanthi Jayatilake from EML Consultants, and was moderated by Amanthi Perera of MAS Holdings.

 

The panel initiated dialogues on emerging trends on environmental legislature, implications of climate change and the immediate need for adaptation in Sri Lanka. The event was attended by businesses, government, academics, environmentalists and other interested individuals prompting discussion from various perspectives.

 

Speaking on climate change related litigation Dr. Lalanath De Silva stated that the largest number of climate change cases are brought by corporations as they are the first to be affected by changes in legislation. This number is followed by governments and individuals. He stressed on the importance of undertaking climate risk assessments in the future as a priority in order to invest sustainably in business ventures.

 

In response to some of the audience questions, Dr. De Silva further added the Green Climate Fund assists developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. He urged the private sector to take this opportunity to partner with the Green Climate Fund through accredited local bodies, and initiate mutually beneficial projects that drive forward such practices.

 

While he elaborated on the significance of comprehensive climate change legislature and adequate finances in order to implement existing National Climate Change Adaptation Strategies, Dr. De Silva also stressed on the importance of Climate Change education, knowledge dissemination and awareness. He expressed that this was crucial to the public, especially key stakeholders such as children, farmers, small businesses as well as the tourism and hospitality industry in Sri Lanka.

 

Joining in the conversation Dr. Nirmalie Pallewatta added that bringing science to motivate people into action is extremely difficult. Most often what is available in the public domain tends to confuse rather than clarify. She also expressed that the existence of climate change sceptics further erodes the message.

 

Mr Avanthi Jayatilleke suggested that an important step in climate adaptation is to share data on climate research with public and interested parties for the best use of information in decision making and finding effective solutions.