PM: Billions Needed to Tackle Climate Change

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Prime Minister Philip Davis bumping elbows with influential world leaders today during day two of COP26.

Vaughnique Toote reports.

The Bahamas will need billions for resilience and mitigation efforts, according to Prime Minister Philip Davis, who addressed the Bahamian media on day two of COP26.

Groups of protestors chanted outside the heavily guarded gates of the sec center as world leaders, including U.S President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley took the COP26 stage in a call to action.

Prime Minister Philip Davis, who is in Glasgow for the UN Climate Change Conference, says for him, it’s about securing climate adaptation and mitigation financing to build for resilience. This effort, he says, will take billions of dollars.

Davis says something he is exploring during his time here is how The Bahamas can monetize its carbon credits or access concessionary lending.

A UN report called a “Code Red for Humanity” warned that the world is warming faster than scientists previously thought.

The Bahamas felt the terrifying effects of climate change in 2019 when hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco and parts of Grand Bahama. Davis, who has had “side conversations” with some of the world’s most influential political leaders, says so far talks have been constructive.

Our News asked the Prime Minister what would happen to a vulnerable country like The Bahamas if it doesn’t get the funding it needs. Davis stressed this critical issue is far beyond the point of mere talk.