Search Climate Insights Directory

The policy brief argues that for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a Just Transition must be a multi-sectoral regional transformation strategy rather than a narrow focus on fossil fuel phase-out. It introduces a framework based on six guiding principles—social justice, effective governance, inclusive participation, economic resilience, alignment with climate goals, and green financing—to mitigate risks in sectors like energy, tourism, and transport, while leveraging growth opportunities in the blue and orange economies. The author recommends institutionalizing social dialogue, strengthening regional policy coherence, and mobilizing scaled concessional finance to ensure the transition is equitable and supports long-term economic diversification.

The report examines the necessity of involving civil society organizations (CSOs) in climate action to support Caribbean governments facing disproportionate climate risks. It is part of a project funded by the Green Climate Fund's Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, implemented across seven CARICOM Member States to enhance CSO access and readiness for climate finance.

The report argues that existing fragmented governance is insufficient to tackle the transboundary crisis of plastic pollution, which causes an estimated $13 billion in annual environmental damage to marine ecosystems. It proposes a new global Convention structured around four pillars: monitoring and reporting, plastic pollution prevention, coordination with other international instruments, and technical and financial support. Key recommendations include the implementation of national plastic pollution reduction plans, global caps and phase-downs of virgin plastic production, and the establishment of a financial mechanism based on the polluter-pays principle to support developing countries.

The document outlines Grenada's approach to strengthening climate resilience following significant damage from Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Hurricane Emily (2005). It highlights the Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR) as a mechanism for mainstreaming resilience and sustainable development. Key lessons identified include the need for country-specific responses that prioritize resilience in highly vulnerable Small Island Developing States, the adoption of comprehensive rather than piecemeal approaches, and the importance of cross-sectoral, participatory design. The text also notes the role of the Climate Investment Funds in supplementing domestic funding for the Disaster Vulnerability and Climate Risk Reduction Project and the potential for SPCR technical assistance to attract further international or private finance.

The document argues that the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) requires a dedicated hemispheric framework to ensure trade liberalization supports sustainable development. It reviews sub-regional models—including Mercosur, CARICOM, the Andean Community, the Central American Alliance for Sustainable Development, and NAFTA—to identify best practices in environmental management and civil society participation. The authors propose a new Americas Environmental Accord (AEA) based on the 2001 Mercosur Framework Agreement on the Environment, suggesting it include shared objectives for environmental protection, dispute settlement mechanisms, and protocols for natural resource management. Additionally, the paper recommends conducting ex-ante sustainability impact assessments (SIA) for the FTAA and establishing a Public Advisory Committee to foster inclusive dialogue between governments and civil society.