Queen Elizabeth sends message to AP Assembly

Hyderabad, Mar 10 (UNI) Commonwealth Head Queen Elizabeth II, in a message to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, today exhorted one and all to match words and good intentions with deeds to protect environment.

Assembly Speaker K R Suresh Reddy shared the concern of the Queen, who asserted on the Commonwealth Day today that ''whatever we do, wherever we live, our actions in defence of the environment can have a real and postive effect upon the lives of others, today and in the future.'' The impact of pollution fell unequally, she said, adding that ''it is often those who pollute the least -- notably in the world's least-developed nations -- are closest to the razor's edge, most affected by the impact of climate change and least equipped to cope with it.'' Opining that environmental choices available in some countries might not be an option to others in some other parts of the world, she said, for example fossil fuels could be used more sparingly and buildings could be made of more efficient, sustainable materials, but it was harder to expect someone to adapt if he/she relied on 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 a lasting change.

Happily, this approach has always been the strength of the Commonwealth, and awareness of environmental issues is now widespread with a determination that future generations should enjoy clean air, sufficient fresh water and energy without risking damage to the planet. Few are more aware of energetic in contributing climate change than young people and we should support them,'' she pointed out.

The competition for fresh water by a growing population was itself becoming a source of potential confict, she noted, adding, ''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.'' UNI SM VA ROY GT RN1624