Last Updated on November 1, 2021, 10:14 AM AST by Anthony Morris
As a region most vulnerable to climate catastrophes, the Caribbean prioritizes climate resilience. St Kitts and Nevis, in particular, is taking steps. The country recently submitted an ambitious national climate plan to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) to reduce global CO2 emissions by 61% by converting them to 100% renewable energy.
The government is expected to publish National Determined Contribution (NDC) at COP 26 on 2 November. The strategy highlights a funding and implementation approach focusing on mobilizing support for its climate goals and positioning the islands as a more environmentally friendly destination committed to the environment.
The NDC will also help build a more robust tourism offer for St Kitts and Nevis. A 2021 report by Booking.com states that 61% of travellers believe that sustainable travel is vital, with 46% saying that the pandemic has made them want to travel more sustainably in the future.
“Sustainable tourism is a key component of our economy. St Kitts and Nevis Climate Action Plan will address a growing sustainability trend,” said PM Harris.
“This revised and strengthened NDC commits a significantly more ambitious mitigation target to reduce economy-wide CO2 emanations by 61% by 2030, as compared to 2010, due to adequate access to resources including climate finance as well as capacity-building support. This is achieved by it will be converted to 100% renewable energy in electricity production and the share of electric vehicles in the fleet will increase to at least 2% “, says the report.
“Sustainability awareness is not only limited to the environmental impact. It also includes important socio-economic considerations with respect to local communities where travel takes place. We emphasize recycling and the prevention of individual use plastics, and reducing food waste is our top priority.”
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
