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The U.S., CARICOM & Climate Change

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – During a candid interview with United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Secretary John Kerry shares the role The Bahamas and CARICOM nations play in preventing climate change.

Published

1 year ago

February 16, 2023

Kristina Dragovich

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – If we want to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, the time to act is now. During a candid interview with United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Secretary John Kerry shares the role The Bahamas and CARICOM nations play in preventing climate change.

Secretary Kerry says now is the time for action, if countries want to meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.

Speaking to local media, Thursday, he explained 76 percent of the world’s carbon emissions come from 20 of the largest countries. However, not all of those countries are staying true to their commitments made in the Paris Agreement and at COP 26 and 27.

Every tenth of a degree makes a difference, Kerry says. But if we want to reach the goal of being pollution-neutral by 2050, we have to put in the work.

Here in The Bahamas, we experience the effects of rising temperatures in the form of increased rainfall, more intense storms, even the impact it has on our coral reefs and ocean ecosystems.

And there is strength in numbers. Secretary Kerry says that is why it was important for him to meet with CARICOM Heads of Government this week.

According to Secretary Kerry the Biden administration is working on programs to help with adaptation, strengthening infrastructure, the availability of funding, and early warning systems which may save lives and property.