Today is an important occasion for the worldwide environmental movement as  the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day is being observed.

On this important day an agreement will be signed by approximately 170 nations in Paris based on the draft treaty which was negotiated by representatives of those countries at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC and adopted by consensus on December 12, 2015.

Jamaica had agreed to the framework at this time, and Senator  Kamina Johnson Smith has signed the treaty today in New York at the UN headquarters on the nations behalf. 

This treaty is important because of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse gases emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020 intended to reduce Global Warming. 

The specific aim of the convention includes:

-          "(a) Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change;

-          (b) Increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production;

-          (c) Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development."

-          Countries furthermore aim to reach "global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible".

Earth Day serves as a recruitment tool to the environmental movement worldwide. It is a movement that continues to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action in the interest of preserving humanity and all concerned.

In 1970, the year of our first Earth Day, the movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, I intend to use this groundbreaking idea and lead by the power of our example. It is time to take control and care of our environment in Jamaica

Both through the utterances of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and as stated in the JLP's manifesto, the party I am a member of, has clearly outlined its commitment to the Environment.

My own commitment will manifest itself in a number of ways during my tenure in the Senate. My first step and specific response towards adequately responding to our own national environmental challenge will be to table a Private Members Motion in the Senate at the appropriate time calling for the imposition of a Ban on the importation of Plastic bags below a 50gallon capacity. The motion will also prescribe a prohibition order on the importation of Styrofoam containers.

Let us all use Earth Day as a signal occasion on which to resolve to this day and going forward, consistently and habitually take steps towards taking meaninful steps in order to preserve our environment. Future generations are depending on us.