UN Climate Briefs

St Kitts-Nevis PM blames developed countries for climate change

UNITED NATIONS (CMC):

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris yesterday accused developed countries of causing climate change, saying their actions have resulted in a “clear and present danger to small and developing nations”.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Harris said that small island developing states (SIDS) like his are finding it difficult to attain the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) because governments “cannot focus on achieving such goals when the very existence of our countries and our peoples is constantly threatened.

“Let us be absolutely clear. Climate change is a product of developed nations’ push for economic growth and industrialisation. For far too long and with far-reaching consequences, rich countries have been allowed to emit greenhouse gases unimpeded.

“Yet the brunt of climate change is borne by developing nations. Small states such as St Kitts and Nevis find themselves on the frontline of a war they did not start and do not want. This is unfair and unjust,” Harris told the international community.

He said that people in developing countries will feel the impact first and worst because of vulnerable geography and lesser ability to cope with damage from severe weather and rising sea levels.

As such, Harris said that small island states are “owed support, solidarity and greater assistance” to mitigate challenges due to climate change.

 

 

Barbados wants new int’l order to deal with global problems

UNITED NATIONS (CMC):

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley yesterday called for an international order that recognises there must be different policy prescriptions to suit the circumstances facing all members of the global community.

Addressing the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mottley told the international community that while “we could still be friends, small and large, north and south, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, all different races, all genders, an equitable and just international order that is truly built on the principles of justice and fairness for all” is needed.

In her address, Mottley said denying the existence of climate change does not diminish its reality and reminded the international community that the recent destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas “represents an unfortunate ‘new climate normal’”.

“The world can no longer ignore the reality of climate change. Climate change is not only about hurricanes and floods. It is about drought, wildfires, sargassum, our ability to provide drinking water and feed our people, to provide shelter. Our ability to live” she said.

“ ... I am confident that the battle against climate change will be won. The question is will it be in time for our people? Will the small states survive this climate catastrophe before mankind finds the solution to halt and reverse climate change?”

 

 

St Lucia calls for more than just mere words

UNITED NATIONS (CMC):

St Lucia has urged members of the international community to put their words into action and help establish the various mechanisms that would help deal with the impact of climate change and other issues facing the global community.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said that it was imperative that world leaders act with “urgency, instead of allowing the denials of a few to paper over the real existential threat to lives and livelihood of so many”.

Chastanet, who is also chairman of CARICOM, asked: “Where is the action to deploy with immediate effect the resilient solutions and the commitment to wrestle to the ground that fact that a heating planet is to blame and the fact that we are the ones heating it?

“For the few who stand with us and have provided tangible assistance as we fight for our survival we are grateful for the support thus far, but I dare say that given the magnitude of the problem, we only have begun to scratch the surface.”

Chastanet said that associated with his island’s fight for survival are the moves by the international community to shift the goal post regarding development financing.

He said that such a practice “can no longer be tolerated” even as the developing countries also face the “reluctance of global financial institutions to heed our calls”.