There are few places on earth more vulnerable to climate change than the Caribbean — and the region is already experiencing its impact.

From sea level rise to frequent and intense natural hazards to extended dry seasons, climate change is a present-day reality for the region.

And the Caribbean Tourism Organization said the recent deal “offers hope.”

“As many of CTO’s members are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), we remain optimistic that the tremendous strides made in Paris will help to ensure that this issue continues to occupy a prominent position on the global agenda.  Let us all do our part to support the outcomes in Paris in any way we can,” the CTO said in a statement.

The pact’s main aim is to keep global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the potential temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

“the Caribbean’s position was clear.  Caribbean governments and regional agencies joined in one voice to shout their message of ‘1.5 to stay alive’ which urged global partners to support a call to limit warming to below 1.5C – a critical call on which our survival depends,” the CTO said.