St Lucia leading the way with new initiative

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Is this a new way to frame the Caribbean’s existential climate fight?

St Lucia is launching a new regional initiative aimed at addressing the Caribbean’s concerns on climate change.

The new initiative, which will debut at a regional meeting, focuses on the concept of “climate justice.”

Called “Caribbean Voices on and for Climate Change,” the new initiative will “amplify genuine Caribbean voices, and build bridges between governments and civil society in response to the threats caused by climate change,” according to a statement from the government of St Lucia.

“The concept of climate justice is in response to the challenges of climate change that advocate for greater fairness and equity in international agreements and relations, to ensure that the realities of countries such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are taken into account in negotiations, trade agreements and international relations,’ the government said. “Climate Justice also recognises that it is the poorest and weakest in society, that are most vulnerable to climate change and its impacts on agriculture, fisheries, settlements and infrastructure.”

The meeting will take place July 30-31 in St Lucia.