Move with urgency, unity, and purpose to accelerate transition to a sustainable future – CARICOM SG on World Environment Day

On the occasion of World Environment Day, on 5 June, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, called on the Community to “move forward with urgency, unity, and purpose as we accelerate the transition to a sustainable future”.

The Day is being observed under the theme ‘Now For Climate – Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Future’.

Framing her message in the context of the threat climate change poses to the livelihood and development of the Caribbean, the Secretary-General called on the private sector, financial institutions, civil society, and academia to actively partner with governments to find Caribbean solutions to Caribbean challenges.

“We acknowledge that governments alone cannot drive this transition. The private sector, financial institutions, civil society and academia must be active partners in green investment and innovation, supporting sustainable business models and generating Caribbean solutions to Caribbean challenges,” Dr. Barnett said.

Please read the Secretary-General’s message below:

“As we observe World Environment Day 2026, we do so cognisant of the reality that our shared Caribbean home is on the frontline of climate change. There are stronger hurricanes, longer droughts, increasing coastal erosion, coral bleaching, flooding, food insecurity, and mounting economic losses. Climate change threatens our infrastructure, our tourism and agriculture sectors, our biodiversity and, fundamentally, the livelihoods, well-being and security of our people.

CARICOM, with other Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet are among the Regions on earth most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. However, we define ourselves not by vulnerability, but by resilience and innovation. Investments in renewable energy – wind, solar, hydropower, and geothermal technologies – are boosting energy security. These developments reflect a clear commitment not only to keep emissions low and protect our environment, but also to create new economic opportunities rooted in sustainability.

The Region has also recognised that climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fisheries, water conservation, and regional cooperation in food production are essential if we are to protect livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. By embracing innovation, strengthening regional cooperation and empowering our communities, we are building a cleaner, more resilient Caribbean.

We acknowledge that governments alone cannot drive this transition. The private sector, financial institutions, civil society and academia must be active partners in green investment and innovation, supporting sustainable business models and generating Caribbean solutions to Caribbean challenges.

Regional cooperation and integration will remain essential in advancing renewable energy integration, disaster risk management, sustainable transport, blue economy development, and climate data and early warning systems.

Importantly, our young people should be at the centre of climate action as the architects and builders of the sustainable future in which they will live.

CARICOM has consistently led on climate diplomacy. Our Member States have been vocal advocates in key international forums. We championed the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius because, for the Caribbean, this is not simply a target, it is survival.

The sustainable future we envision is not only greener, but also more equitable, inclusive, and resilient. It is a future where economic development does not come at the expense of ecosystems, where communities are protected and where future generations inherit a Community that remains vibrant, secure and thriving.

Let us continue to move forward with urgency, unity, and purpose as we accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.”

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