Strive to match words and good intentions with deeds

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who is Head of the Commonwealth, has said that all actions which help protect the environment can “have a real and positive effect on the lives of others.”

In her Commonwealth Day message, the Queen highlighted the Nile River, as an example which illustrates many of the challenges facing the “global environment as a whole” which, she said, “can not alone sustain our lives as once it did.”

The Nile, which is the longest river in the world stretching for 4,187 miles, is the main source of water for the nine nations which make up the Nile basin. For all its impressive size, the water provided by the river is barely enough to satisfy the estimated 123 million people who depend on its waters for survival.

“Our own attitudes to the environment, and the use we put it to, may have consequences for people on every continent and for every ocean and sea,” the Queen warned.

The Queen also said in her message that it is “important to remember that the environmental choices available in some countries may not be an option for others.”

“In some parts of the world, for example, fossil fuels can be used more sparingly and buildings can be made of more efficient, sustainable materials; but it is far harder to expect someone to adapt if he or she relies on the trees of a local forest for fuel, shelter and livelihood. If we recognise the interests and needs of the people who are most affected, we can work with them to bring about lasting change,” the Queen observed.

With regard to pollution, the Queen wrote that those who pollute the least – particularly in the world’s least-developed nations – appear to be the most affected by the impact of climate change as well being the least equipped to cope with it.

Her Majesty urged more support for young people, whom she described as both energetic and able to confront climate change. She added that governments, businesses, communities and individuals should each strive to “match words and good intentions with deeds.”

“Whatever we do, wherever we live,” said the Queen, “our actions in defence of the environment can have a real and positive effect upon the lives of others, today and into the future.”

Click here for the full text of this message

Secretariat Links:

• Commonwealth Week
• Head of the Commonwealth
• Commonwealth Climate Change Action Plan
• Commonwealth Day Videos