The secretary-general of the United Nations requests increased assistance for vulnerable islands battling the effects of climate change.
Mr. Guterres visited a project that is helping the Caribbean nation to combat the effects of coastal erosion and rising seas – among the impacts of global warming.
He praised the Georgetown Sea Defense project but emphasized the importance of more unity and financial assistance.
A project is being built in the Sandy Bay community in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to address erosion and rising sea levels.
Climate justice
He stated that we need increased assistance from other countries – also known as climate justice – including funding that is both sufficient and cost-effective. This funding must be promptly allocated to support protective measures for the island against the rising sea levels, floods, and storms.
When asked by a journalist, Mr. Guterres stated that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) should be able to readily access climate finance from the Loss and Damage Fund.
The mechanism, which aims to assist vulnerable countries in mitigating the impacts of climate change such as droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events, was launched at the UN COP28 conference in Dubai last year.
Mr. Guterres explained that under the fund, small projects like the one he visited would not require the same level of bureaucracy as those costing billions.
He stated that they are urging for swift decisions and implementation of the available funds, as well as increased funding.
“The people of the Small Island Developing States are on the frontlines of climate change. They did not contribute to global warming, but they are paying the price,” he added.
Homes were constructed in the Orange Hill resettlement area of northeast Saint Vincent to accommodate individuals from regions deemed uninhabitable due to the La Soufriere volcano eruptions in 2021.
Rising from the ashes
The Secretary-General also visited areas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines impacted by the April 2021 eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.
Approximately 20,000 individuals, equating to approximately 20% of the population, were required to evacuate without delay. Relocation homes were constructed in the designated area for those whose residences were devastated.
The leader of the United Nations was present in the nation to participate in the meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on Friday.
The day before, he had reached Kingstown, the capital, and at a press conference, he commended the bravery, strength, and unity amongst the citizens in response to the volcanic disaster.
Source: news.un.org
