As the Caribbean endures worsening climate change impacts, the Climate Analytics Caribbean team underscored the increasingly urgent need for greater inclusion of vulnerable voices, and accountability in addressing climate justice.
The recently concluded United Nations COP29 climate negotiations underscored the stark divide between the Global North and South, with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) continuing to face the brunt of climate impacts. At Coming Back from COP29 on Tuesday 17th December in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Climate Analytics Caribbean shared critical analysis of key issues including Climate Finance, Adaptation, Loss and Damage, and Just Transition. Held amidst growing climate crises, the COP29 summit revealed an urgent need for equitable climate action.
“This was by far the most difficult COP we have experienced, and it emphasized the divide between developed and developing countries,” noted Rueanna Haynes, Director, Climate Analytics Caribbean. “The outcome yielded no substantive follow up on last year’s energy package. COP30 must answer the question – how exactly are we going to phase out fossil fuels and methane in order to live up to our global agreement to limit warming to the 1.5°C increase?”
Key Outcomes and Challenges
- The Finance Divide (led by Chealeif Lee Wing, Project Manager, Climate Analytics Caribbean):
COP29, heralded as the “Finance COP”, was described as one of the most challenging negotiations to date, with polarizing debates on climate finance dominating discussions. While a $300 billion new climate finance target, the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) was agreed upon, the commitment falls far short of small island developing states’ call for $1.3trillion to adequately address mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage, with concerns over accessibility and the quality of funds. The reluctance of developed countries to redefine climate finance and set minimum allocations for vulnerable nations highlighted a persistent gap in equity.
- Adaptation Progress (led by Sasha Jattansingh, Loss and Damage Expert, Climate Analytics Caribbean):
Adaptation emerged as a cautiously positive area, with plans to double adaptation finance by 2025 and streamline Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) indicators to fewer than 100. The UAE’s new frameworks on resilience and thematic targets also provided a roadmap for enhancing adaptation efforts. The institutionalization of adaptation as a standing COP agenda item signals a critical step forward for SIDS and LDCs.
- Loss and Damage (led by Sasha Jattansingh, Loss and Damage Expert, Climate Analytics Caribbean):
A dedicated Loss and Damage Fund has been operationalized, yet its functionality remains limited without a resource mobilization strategy or access mechanisms. SIDS emphasized the need for a standardized approach to defining and assessing L&D, particularly for slow-onset events like sea level rise, to secure effective financing.
- Just Transition Stalemate (led by Carlon Mendoza, Climate Policy Advisor, Climate Analytics Caribbean):
Discussions on the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) were deferred, exposing divergent views between developed and developing countries. While developed nations view it as a domestic issue, SIDS and LDCs emphasize its global dimensions and climate justice implications. The lack of agreement highlighted the critical need for inclusive approaches that prioritize reskilling and equity.
- Carbon Markets and Accountability (led by Kristin Qui, Climate Diplomacy Advisor):
Progress was made in operationalizing carbon markets under the Paris Agreement, with clear rules to ensure environmental integrity. However, loopholes remain, raising concerns about how these markets will impact SIDS and their sustainable development goals.
Ardene Sirjoo, Communications Lead at the Cropper Foundation, was also on hand to share her experience as a representative of Caribbean civil society at COP29. The Cropper Foundation highlighted creative expression as a tool to advance climate action, with their anthology series “Today, Today, Congotay,”. This work highlights the region’s lived experiences coping with the losses and trauma of climate impacts. Ms. Sirjoo also emphasized the need to support grassroots efforts and rally for greater transparency, accountability, and the inclusion of underrepresented voices in policymaking.
As the world turns its focus to COP30 in Brazil, a key priority will include spotlighting more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions to preserve the critical 1.5°C pathway. For small island developing states, this is essential to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.
Ms. Haynes made it clear that the multilateral process remains the best forum available for small, vulnerable countries to ensure they have their seat at the table, noting that “there is power in a process that allows for decision-making by consensus.”
“In 2025, I would like to see climate change become a real issue in upcoming elections,” she added. “I would like to see the energy and creativity which the youth have expressed around the climate crisis fuel a transformation of tangible action from our leaders around the world.”
