How Bermuda Made Its Presence Known at the Paris Climate Talks

An emissions push

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Tiny Bermuda got some serious praise at the recent Paris climate talks.

Donal Smith , founder and CEO of Bermuda Emissions Control, Ltd, delivered an address at the COP21 Climate Change Conference in Paris, pinpointing the growing need for vehicle emission control around the world.

While presenting an overview of his Bermuda-based operation to delegates at the “Wider Caribbean Pavilion” on Friday, December 4, Smith said that the small island of Bermuda has taken a lead in ensuring that vehicle emissions met strict quality control standards as a mandatory government requirement since his company began operating in 2009.

“It took 20 years of painstaking research and development to open our first inspection plant but it was worth it,” he said.

Smith delineated the ways BECL is fulfilling its commitment to help protect residents on Bermuda’s densely populated 22-square mile island from dangerous levels of carbon monoxide released into the environment from vehicles operating on public roadways.

He also reminded the audience that Bermuda has achieved global relevance as an international financial center, leading the world in asset production for “blue chip” corporations.

“Helping to protect the Island’s pristine environment has enhanced Bermuda’s appeal as a prominent offshore domicile of choice,” said the former Deputy Mayor of the city of Hamilton. “The compulsory testing of vehicles on Bermuda’s roads contributes greatly towards ensuring a safer and cleaner quality of air and helps diminish the long-term impact of vehicular emissions, which research has identified as a significant cause of respiratory ailments which contribute to a high incidence of health concerns, such as asthma and bronchitis.”

“I am so very pleased to see islands from the Caribbean region so well represented at the conference and I look forward to meeting them again to discuss the pressing need for Vehicle Emission Control at the COP22 conference next year in Morocco, along with the many delegates from all parts of the world I have had the privilege of meeting in Paris,” he said.