The Honourable Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment, made a notable appearance at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan. His participation not only represented Dominica but also the interests of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as a whole at this prestigious international gathering.
At COP29, Minister Frederick participated as a panelist during a side event titled “Financing Adaptation for a Just Transition in Developing Countries: Lessons and Challenges to Raise Ambition in Adaptation.” This event took place on November 20, 2024, and featured a selection of esteemed speakers, including high-ranking representatives from Uruguay, Brazil, and the Adaptation Fund Board. Together, they explored innovative financial strategies and capacity-building initiatives that are essential for aiding climate adaptation efforts in developing nations.
In his capacity as CARICOM’s leading envoy on Climate Change Adaptation, Minister Frederick underscored an urgent call for improved climate finance mechanisms aimed at supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He spoke to the specific vulnerabilities faced by Caribbean nations as a result of climate change, drawing attention to the catastrophic consequences inflicted upon Dominica by Hurricane Maria in 2017. This disaster resulted in damages that amounted to 226% of the nation’s gross domestic product. Highlighting the pressing need for action, he stated, “It is imperative that we develop pathways to increase the scale and speed of climate finance for SIDS.” He further emphasized the necessity to double adaptation finances by 2025 from the levels recorded in 2019, aligning with commitments made under the Paris Agreement.
During his address, the Minister pointed out critical issues, such as the stark deficiency in contributions to the Adaptation Fund, which only garnered USD $61 million against a target of $300 million during a recent contributor dialogue. He stressed the urgent requirement for developed nations to meet their commitments, given that $219 million in proposals from SIDS remain pending in the Adaptation Fund. Moreover, he remarked on the importance of enhancing the capacities of CARICOM member states to better access available climate funding.
Minister Frederick also showcased the efforts of various regional institutions like the Caribbean Development Bank and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in fostering climate resilience. He applauded nations such as Belize, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda for successfully obtaining direct access to the Adaptation Fund while urging further cooperation and innovation to reinforce regional capabilities. “Our fight against climate change requires increased funding, capacity building, and innovation,” he declared. “We must ensure that no one is left behind as we transition our economies and build resilience for a just and equitable future.”
A statement from the environment ministry said that the minister’s engagement at COP29 is a testament to Dominica’s unwavering dedication to climate resilience and sustainable development, as the nation strives to attain its ambitious objective of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient country.
Set of beggars! Their main agenda at COP29 is to procure money with the disguise of shoring up the environment. That is just farcical.
Yep, there goes Cozier doing what he does best – asking for money.
CBI drying up you running outside and beg? Why didnt you say anything about the theft of the USD$10 million given by Hugo Chavez for the development of the Kalinago Territory? Now you riding a climate change/resilience funding wagon because you hear it have money there. meanwhile, the Kalinago people are eligible for millions and billions of dollars in international funding from international funding agencies simply because they are some of the last indigenous people in the world. But you wont develop the territory, only your pockets and that of your master.
Click on this to see all the funding opportunities for the Kalinago people. Thank me later. https://www.google.com/search?q=funding+for+indigenous+peoples&rlz=1C1EJFA_enDM722DM722&oq=funding&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDggAEEUYJxg7GIAEGIoFMg4IABBFGCcYOxiABBiKBTIOCAEQRRg5GEMYgAQYigUyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyBwgJEAAYgATSAQgxNjMxajBqN6gCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8