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In December 2009, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, President Mohamed Nasheed explained the consequences the greenhouse effect and rising sea level would have on Maldives and pleaded to come to an agreement among the states to reduce carbon emission. He stated that temperature rises above 1.5 degrees would submerge Maldives, dissolve its coral reefs and turn its oceans to acid. Hence, taking initial steps against global warming, he installed solar panels on the roof of the President’s Palace in Maldives. Bicycles were also introduced to the Maldives Police
Service in order to work towards the goal.
However, President Mohamed Nasheed was ousted in February 07, 2012 by a military coup. Since then, the country has fallen into a state of political turmoil, a power struggle between the former Presidents, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom[2] and Mohamed Nasheed. Maldives held its elections on September 7, 2013 but no candidate received a majority of over 50 percent. Therefore, a second round was to be held on September 28, 2013. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court of Maldives ordered the second round of presidential elections to be postponed indefinitely. On October 7, 2013, with a majority of 4-3, the Supreme Court annulled the presidential elections based on allegations of electoral fraud. The political crisis worsened when the ruling of the court was given by 4 judges, inclusive of the judge who was in the midst of a sex tape scandal. The enraged public hung white male underpants outside the court which lead to the arrest of 12 citizens. The white underpants has become an accessory in Maldivian protests against the Supreme Court’s judgment and against the judge who still sits at the bench without facing any consequences.
Sadly, Maldives has forgotten the importance of fighting against climate change. It has lost its thrill to reduce carbon emission. It lives for a new battle, a battle to bring democracy. A battle for a free and fair election. Nevertheless, the country should not bury the words of its former President Mohamed Nasheed:
“History shows us the power of peaceful protest. From the civil rights movement, to Gandhi’s Quit India campaign; non-violent protest can create change. Protest worked in the struggle for democracy in the Maldives. And on 24 October, we saw how protests across the world put 3 - 5 – 0 firmly on the Copenhagen agenda. My message to you is to continue the protests. Continue after Copenhagen. Continue despite the odds. And eventually, together, we will reach that crucial number: 3 – 5 – 0."
Sources
[1] James E. Hansen, wrote a paper stating that 350 parts-per-million (ppm) of CO2 in the atmosphere was a safe upper limit to avoid a climate tipping point.
[2] Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was the President of Maldives for 30 years and was defeated by his successor Mohamed Nasheed in the Presidential Elections held on 2008. successor Mohamed Nasheed in the Presidential Elections held on 2008 Presidential Elections held on 2008.