The situation is not getting better. When I was German Ambassador in Iraq in 2006, we did not have half as many dust-storms as today in 2013.
Between 2001-2010, 530 trans-boundary dust-storms were detected [Iran study]. This means about 60 dust-storms per year. There are estimates, that there will be 300 dust-storms every year in 10 years from.
And dust-storms, we all know, do not recognize boundaries. Where does this lead? Are we ignoring a crisis in the making? How much suffering will we face, how many billions of GDP do we put at risk by inaction?
Instead of losing large parts of national wealth because of dust-storms, we should use all this money to combat them. We need to be committed and creative.
The private sector is central to our economies. It is essential that we mobilize large companies and corporations to protect the environment- and in particular, to help us combat dust-storms.
The private sector will have to play an important role.
In the case of dust-storms, an investment made in one country, will benefit everyone. And this helps us to achieve our goals.
I have already received some positive indications about establishing a regional environmental trust-fund and I do hope- I do ask you- to consider such an initiative.
One or two governments alone will not make a difference, you have to unite, you have to work together. Politicians have to live up to their responsibilities.
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