Underwater cabinet meeting in Maldives

The President of the Maldives is desperate for the world to know how seriously his Government takes the threat of climate change and rising sea levels to the survival of his country.

He wants his ministers to know as well.

To this end, Mohamed Nasheed has organised an underwater Cabinet meeting on October 17 and told all his ministers to get in training for the sub-aqua session.

At 6m below the surface, the ministers will ratify a treaty calling on other countries to cut greenhouse emissions.

Nasheed, the leader of a nation made up of 1200 atolls, 80 per cent of which are no more than a metre above sea level, has made the issue of climate change one of his most pressing priorities.

He has also established a fund to seek an alternative home for the 330,000 Maldivians.

- INDEPENDENT