We hereby elect to … Mind that starfish!

Written by Jennifer Blake

Yesterday the full cabinet of the Maldives first democratically elected government held a meeting six metres underwater. The unusual cabinet meeting took place in a bid to draw the attention of the world to the probable effects of climate change - impacts that will be felt in countries like the Maldives far faster than in the developing world.

80% of the archipelago’s tiny islands are less than 1m above sea level. UN estimates suggest that by 2100 - in 90 short years - the Maldives will be uninhabitable. In our lifetimes, we will see refugees of climate change.

Mohamad Nasheed, President of the Maldives, is no fool. “The Maldives is a frontline state and what happens to us today will happen to others tomorrow”. During the meeting, Ministers approved a resolution to urge a global commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Nasheed hopes the stunt will provoke thought ahead of the Copenhagen Climate summit.

Its a long time since we’ve seen this kind of creativity in political diplomacy - on a national or international scale. The Australian Government could take note. More importantly, however, I hope they will take notice.