Castries, Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre is set to attend COP28- The 28th annual United Nations climate meeting, held in Dubai, UAE. PM Pierre will attend the meeting from November 30- December 5, 2023.
The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia is currently serving as the spokesperson for climate change in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
COP, short for “Conference of the Parties”, convenes countries that committed to the original UN climate agreements in 1992.
Notably, this summit holds enormous significance as leaders gather to discuss strategies to prepare and limit the approaching challenges of climate change.
Objectives of the meeting
The major focus of COP28 is to sustain the collective commitment made in 2015 in Paris. It aims to forbid long-term global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees C.
It is to be noted that this target is crucial in mitigating the severe impacts of climate change, which was emphasized by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), or the situation would be worse.
Notably, the Caribbean’s Small Island Development States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable nations facing the effects of climate change, and situations could be very tough if appropriate action is not taken.
SIDS are highly threatened and affected by rising sea levels, floods, droughts, stronger storm surges, hurricanes, and changes in rainfall patterns, among others.
The economy of these nations suffers a heavy annual cost as a result of climate change. Annually, the cost of recovering from the devastation caused by extreme weather events such as flash floods and hurricanes.
Pierre’s important role as a Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and the speaker for climate change in CARICOM highlights the region’s dedication and commitment to global climate action.
PM Pierre’s leadership at COP28 emphasized fostering international cooperation in the pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future for all.
In the absence of the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Youth Economy- Ernest Hilaire will act as a Prime Minister of Saint Lucia.