Appointing John Kerry to top role is significant for global efforts to stem debilitating effects of climate change, says PM Skerrit

Dominica: On the recent announcement of the nomination of US Secretary of State John Kerry as a special envoy on the climate change, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed the news terming it as significant and hopeful for the global efforts to stem the debilitating effects of climate change.

In a statement issued, Prime Minister said that along with other small island states in the world, especially the Caribbean has played a leading role in the global efforts to tackle the issue of climate change.

“We have led the way in the areas of building awareness about the emergency, and in advocating real commitment and real action from the global community in that regard (climate change).” He also added, to make global efforts effective, all nations, including big and small, must be at the table to play their part dealing with the global challenge of climate change.

He said that the announcement of John Kerry as a special envoy on climate change is significant for Dominica as he has the experience and skills to work with the global community efficiently on such matters.

“The Government of Dominica views the nomination of John Kerry, who signed the Paris Climate Accord on behalf of the US in 2016, as a firm commitment of President-elect Joe Biden to make climate change a top priority of his presidency,” he added.

Bringing up the spirits, PM said that Dominica is looking forward to working closely with the United States as well as all the other nations on the issue which speaks to economic wellbeing and the very survival of people.

Prime Minister further said: “We know too well that the global warming that is changing our climate is already having dire consequences, and there is – may I say – this fierce urgency – for all nations to act with determination and resolve.”

However, PM Skerrit also took the opportunity to mention the major blow to all the efforts to curb global warming, when United States pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord in 2016, primarily because of the fact that the US is among the leading emitters of greenhouse gases and “its involvement would be critical for serious and effective actions.”