Above: Durban, South Africa

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Caribbean nations are preparing for the upcoming Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa at the end of November.

Small Island States like those in the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change, from an increased frequency and intensity of storms to rising sea levels.

For Caribbean countries highly reliant on tourism, climate change poses an even bigger threat.

Grenada has highlighted its preparation for the conference, looking at sectors such as tourism, agriculture and water that are at risk.

Earlier this month, Grenada signed a climate agreement with Germany aimed at fighting the effects of climate change at the local level.

While most Small Island States produce less than 1 percent of global greenhouse emissions, their geographic — and economic — characteristics make them highly vulnerable to to the effects of climate change, according to Phenton Neymour, Minister of State in the Bahamian Ministry of Environment.

Beginning Nov. 23, a team of Grenadian negotiators will join those from developing and developed nations in an attempt to seek a legally binding agreement.