The Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, comprising over 40 civil society organizations, grassroots leaders, activists, academics, creatives, media, and other stakeholders, is pushing for prompt and intensified efforts to address the climate crisis, especially concerning the needs of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other vulnerable nations. This call to action comes in anticipation of the COP28 summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Alliance has introduced the “Caribbean Climate Justice and Resilience Agenda,” a document detailing critical needs and proposed actions by 2030 for vulnerable groups and the broader society in Caribbean SIDS. Key priorities include limiting global temperature rise to 1.5˚ C, enhancing locally-driven solutions for adaptation, improving access to climate finance for frontline communities, scaling up nature-based resilience solutions, supporting a just transition for sustainable development, and promoting inclusive approaches to climate action.
The Agenda is grounded in the understanding that climate change poses significant risks to the Caribbean population, economy, and natural ecosystems, with the most severe impacts falling on the most vulnerable and marginalized groups. These groups include small-scale farmers, fisherfolk, rural women, the elderly, disabled, the income poor, Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, migrants, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The Agenda highlights the existential threat posed by unchecked emissions and global temperatures exceeding 1.5˚ C, including rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes.
Developed collaboratively by the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance through dialogues across the region, the Agenda aims to elevate the voices of those most affected by climate change and stimulate action for climate justice and resilience in Caribbean SIDS. The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) led the development process, acting as the convenor and secretariat for the Alliance, with support from the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Members of the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, including CANARI, will participate in COP28 from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai. They aim to collaborate with various sectors to advocate for climate justice and ensure global decisions align with the needs and priorities of Caribbean SIDS.
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