The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is on Friday observing World Environment Day cognisant of the reality that the region is on the frontline of climate change.
‘There are stronger hurricanes, longer droughts, increasing coastal erosion, coral bleaching, flooding, food insecurity, and mounting economic losses. Climate change threatens our infrastructure, our tourism and agriculture sectors, our biodiversity and, fundamentally, the livelihoods, well-being and security of our people,’ CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett said in a statement to mark the occasion. She said CARICOM, with other Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet are among the regions on earth most vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
‘However, we define ourselves not by vulnerability, but by resilience and innovation. Investments in renewable energy – wind, solar, hydropower, and geothermal technologies – are boosting energy security.
‘These developments reflect a clear commitment not only to keep emissions low and protect our environment, but also to create new economic opportunities rooted in sustainability. ‘
Barnett said that the region has also recognised that climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fisheries, water conservation, and regional cooperation in food production are essential if it is to protect livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
‘By embracing innovation, strengthening regional cooperation and empowering our communities, we are building a cleaner, more resilient Caribbean,’ she said, acknowledging that governments alone cannot drive this transition.
‘The private sector, financial institutions, civil society and academia must be active partners in green investment and innovation, supporting sustainable business models and generating Caribbean solutions to Caribbean challenges.
‘Regional cooperation and integration will remain essential in advancing renewable energy integration, disaster risk management, sustainable transport, blue economy development, and climate data and early warning systems.’
Barnett said, importantly, young people should also be at the centre of climate action as the architects and builders of the sustainable future in which they will live.
‘CARICOM has consistently led on climate diplomacy. Our member states have been vocal advocates in key international forums. We championed the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius because, for the Caribbean, this is not simply a target, it is survival.
‘The sustainable future we envision is not only greener, but also more equitable, inclusive, and resilient. It is a future where economic development does not come at the expense of ecosystems, where communities are protected and where future generations inherit a Community that remains vibrant, secure and thriving.’
Barnett urged the region to continue to move forward with ‘urgency, unity, and purpose as we accelerate the transition to a sustainable future’.
Meanwhile, Unted Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, sad that this World Environment Day, warning signals are everywhere.
He said that past 11 years have been the 11 hottest on record ‘and the damage goes far beyond rising temperatures – from polluted air to degraded land, collapsing ecosystems, and vanishing biodiversity.’ harming health, destroying homes and deepening hunger.
Guterres said that the world is heading for a temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees.
‘Every fraction of a degree brings greater harm – especially to the most vulnerable. Our task is to make that overshoot as small, as short, and as safe as possible – and rapidly bring temperatures back down. That means slashing emissions.’
Guterres said that accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewables is the only sustainable path to lower costs and to real energy security.
‘Cutting methane, one of the fastest, cheapest ways to limit near-term warming.
Protecting forests, land, and seas. Helping communities adapt to the devastating impacts already here. And it means fulfilling climate finance promises to developing countries – to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen economies.
‘This is the moment to act – for our environment and for our future,’ Guterres said.