BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC -In the heart of the Latin American and Caribbean region where the vibrant cultures and rich biodiversity intersect, the United Nations Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week (LACCW) will be convened from October 23 to 27, 2023, hosted by the government of Panama.
Leaders, activists, policymakers, and experts from across the region will assemble to take stock of the critical challenges of climate change ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
LACCW calls for regional Action on four priority areas:
- Energy systems and industry
- Cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure, and transport
- Land, ocean, food, and water
- Societies, health, livelihoods and economies
The consequences of climate change are felt acutely in the 29 Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) that have experienced record high temperatures, with consequent impacts from rising sea levels, devastating hurricanes, longer dry seasons, and droughts, which affect economies, populations, and livelihoods.
Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean SIDS Small Island Development States) are among the smallest and most vulnerable, with small, open economies beset by recent external shocks such as the 2008 global financial and 2020 COVID-19 crises.
Caribbean SIDS also grapples with decades of unsustainable practices in development, production, and infrastructure that have, over decades, spewed solid waste and effluent pollution into sensitive terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Combined with climate effects, these threaten the resilience of ecosystems that provide frontline protection in coastal areas.
In a 2023 Caribbean survey on SIDS challenges conducted by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the highest category of reported concerns cited were “adverse effects of climate change” (15 percent), followed by “loss of biodiversity” (11 percent), and “natural disasters” (8.7 percent).
Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest, most marginalized, and vulnerable communities. Women and children often lack access to resources and assets to cope with disasters. Poverty levels in Eastern Caribbean SIDS average 24.6 percent, while women tend to be unemployed at higher rates and paid at lower levels than men, which increases their vulnerability.
Most people with low incomes are employed in the tourism and agriculture sectors, which are particularly vulnerable to external events. Small-scale landholders and producers are also increasingly vulnerable due to high-income dependence on degraded agricultural lands and fishing stocks.
Protecting and empowering these communities to become more resilient is essential by involving them in coordinated disaster preparedness and response, early warning systems, and investing in climate-resilient livelihoods and social safety nets. This also means investing in education and public awareness, ensuring that everyone knows their role in turning the tide against global warming and reducing the severity of future climate impacts.
This year’s LACCW theme is “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Future in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The theme is more apt than ever for reinvigorating the battle against climate change and leveraging the power of the collective to build a resilient and inclusive future.
The 2023 LACCW will unite multiple institutions and national stakeholders to gather the sentiments and core messages for Action that the region will take to COP28 and the upcoming Fourth International SIDS Conference in 2024.
Caribbean communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change, and quick Action must be taken to learn, adapt, and prepare for these changes. Infrastructure must be strengthened to withstand extreme weather events, sustainable agriculture practices adopted, and cities reinforced to be more climate resilient.
Mitigation is also vital in combating climate change. Although the region is not among those that have historically emitted the most greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we must take proactive steps to reduce our carbon emissions. This involves transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, geothermal, and solar power, and promoting sustainable options across all sectors.
Consequently, access to climate finance, especially for adaptation, is essential to build resilience, but unfortunately, the Caribbean SIDS do not have sufficient financing to support their investment needs.
This should be addressed with utmost priority, and both the Bridgetown initiative promoted by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and the UN Secretary General’s SDG Stimulus plan provide the most needed financing solutions.
The UN Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022-2026 provides a robust framework for UN assistance in the sub-region. For example, we promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices and identify suitable policy frameworks for sustainable transportation and energy-efficient buildings.
The UN is also working to improve the resilience of communities through strengthening early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and responsive social protection mechanisms. Despite this valuable work, efforts must be scaled up so the sub-region can build a resilient and inclusive future.
This is a monumental task. However, progress can be accelerated by taking small steps to accelerate the transition to clean energy, leverage natural resources for sustainable solutions, and protect and empower vulnerable communities.
To combat climate change effectively, we must come together as a region. Climate change does not respect class, race, borders, or boundaries. It is a global problem that requires a collective response.
As we observe LACCW, let us be reminded of the tremendous benefits gleaned from f collaborating as countries and communities to promote public awareness, share knowledge, pool resources, and work towards common goals. By strengthening our collective response, we can find innovative solutions to address the biggest threat to humanity – as we endeavor to preserve people and the planet.
*Didier Trebucq is the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Vincent Sweeney heads the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Caribbean Sub-Regional Office.
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