By Brushell BlackmanFrom left: UNFPA Assistant Representative Ms. Patrice La Fleur, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and Dr Paulette Bynoe, Director School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, at the launching The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Guyana on Tuesday launched its 2009 State of the World Population Report, at the Tower Hotel. The document focuses on climate change in the context of facing a changing world and its impact on women, children and the elderly. Addressing the gathering,Wholesale Jerseys USA, UNFPA Assistant Representative,Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale, Patrice La Fleur,Cheap Air Max 95 Sale, said that the report addresses a very topical issue that has significant importance the world over. She said that the report is being launched just a few weeks before the much touted climate change meeting in Copenhagen this December.The UN official said that the State of the World Population Report shows that climate change is more than an issue of energy efficiency or industrial carbon emission. It is also one of population dynamics, poverty and gender equity. She believes that climate change is about people, its effects and impact.La Fleur explained that climate change has the potential to reverse the hard work and development that took place years ago and this should be the impetus for persons to work to minimise its effects. It can also, she pointed out, worsen poverty, burden the marginalised and vulnerable groups, such as children,cheap jerseys, elderly, women and the indigenous peoples, with additional hardships such as food shortages and health crisis.La Fleur said women who are at the forefront of caring for the family, are in a precarious position since climate change will affect their abilities to provide food and water for the family. She said that the report is informative and rich and provides the reader with a good understanding of the elements which could destabilise the planet’s climate and the expected consequences.In underscoring the seriousness, La Fleur called on persons to consider the challenges that the phenomenon poses to the society. She said that it is likely to be the greatest challenge that human mankind has ever experienced.Speaking on behalf of the University of Guyana,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, Dr Paulette Bynoe, Director School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, said that the world has experienced profound climatic changes. She stated that records have shown that global warming is accelerating and humans are largely responsible. Further, she stressed that the warming is unequivocal as is evident from the increases in the global averages in temperature.Bynoe said that it is mankind that is primarily responsible for climate change and there is need for urgent adaptation if the world is to reverse the occurrence. Further she noted that in the absence of action, the world will experience population displacement that it is ill equipped to prevent or address in an effective manner.She opined that such a situation has far reaching implications for economies and development. Additionally, agriculture potential will be reduced and there will be a paucity of clean water and the undermining of ecosystems will become common place.Bynoe told the gathering that one does not have to look far for experiences on the adverse effects of climate change – the 2005 floods in Guyana should serve as a potent reminder. She gave a grave prediction of climate change and what are its implications for the coastal plains.She said that sea level rise will permanently destroy extensive and highly productive areas and cause many to relocate permanently. It is to this end that she championed the ability of Guyana to conduct research using geographic information system as a critical tool to combat the issue.Also addressing the gathering was Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud. He told the gathering that the main issue, to which the report focuses, is one that is germane to the current debates that are taking place with regard to climate change. He said that the poorest households are particularly vulnerable, as are women and children.He added that even as Copenhagen approaches, the report should serve to remind world leaders that climate change negotiation is not a numbers game.The minister said that the report puts the spotlight on humanity and decisive action should be taken. Persaud emphasised that Guyana is one of the leading countries in the climate change fight.Every year the UNFPA launches its State of the World Population Report focusing on one of the many population issues that is important to the world’s peo