The urgency for climate action in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reached a critical point, prompting the appointment of five ministerial champions to lead key negotiation areas at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Scheduled for November 11-22, 2024, this conference holds immense significance as CARICOM member states continue to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl at the onset of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season.
CARICOM’s strategic approach revolves around the core objective of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C and ensuring sustainable access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The region’s priorities emphasize adaptation and loss and damage initiatives, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities faced by SIDS in the face of climate change.
The appointed ministerial champions bring diverse expertise and leadership to the table, with each focusing on a specific negotiation area:
– Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Planning and Development, Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, will champion Just Transition
– Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Orlando Habet, will lead the Finance and the New Collective Quantified Goal track
– Grenada’s Minister of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, Kerryne James, will head the Global Stocktake negotiations
– Suriname’s Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment, Dr. Marciano Dasai, will take charge of the Markets discussion
– Dominica’s Minister for the Environment, Rural Modernisation, and Kalinago Upliftment, Cozier Frederick, will spearhead the Adaptation efforts
CARICOM’s united front in climate negotiations was underscored during the July meeting of Heads of Government, emphasizing the collective advocacy needed to amplify the region’s voice. Central to CARICOM’s agenda is the push for a climate finance goal that guarantees accessible grant-based or concessional finance for SIDS, through minimum allocation floors and enhanced concessionality.
The upcoming COP29 will witness a strong presence of CARICOM delegates, including heads of government, ministers, negotiators, youth representatives, and experts from regional institutions. Engaging in key bilateral discussions, these representatives will assert the Caribbean’s priorities and advocate for impactful outcomes that address the region’s pressing climate challenges.
As the momentum builds towards COP29, CARICOM stands resolute in its commitment to champion climate action and secure a sustainable future for all. Together, the ministerial champions and delegates aim to drive meaningful change and elevate the region’s voice on the global climate stage.
Leave feedback about this