Cozier Frederick represents Dominica at COP26, says SIDS receive only 2% of climate finance

Minister Cozier Frederick represented the Commonwealth of Dominica at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) on Wednesday. He said the effects of climate change are hard to undo, but the world must come together to take note of the situation.

His entire address focused on how climate change affects countries like Dominica.

Minister for Environment, Rural Modernization and Kalinago Upliftment Cozier Frederick stated that Dominica always made its commitment towards climate protection very clear, "but the clock is ticking, and we cannot do it alone,". He called on all the developed countries to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to fight the climate crisis. During the address at the COP26, Minister said after the climate change caused massive Hurricane Maria in 2017, Dominica took the first step towards becoming the world's first climate-resilient country. The Hurricane destroyed almost 90% of the infrastructure in Dominica. "We have limited resources, we are throwing everything we have at achieving this, but we are running out of time to reverse the destructive environmental practices that are already having severe consequences for small island developing states," said Minister Fredrick.

He said the situation is becoming critical for the kids growing on small islands like Dominica.

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"Our young people now face an unprecedented threat; they will inherit what has been referred to as triple jeopardy of crippling debt, degraded environment and frequent destructive disasters," said Minister Cozier Frederick.

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Minister Frederick said many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have high levels of debt distress linked to responding to climate impacts, "currently there is no viable long-term debt-reduction strategy".

Furthermore, he stated that the SIDS are most affected by the impacts of climate change but still receive less than 2% of the climate finance.

Frederick said Dominica is proud of its pristine natural environment and believes their Kalinago ancestors' ideology that says "everything is tied to nature around us, the trees, the water and the air around us".

"I am a proud descendent of the Kalinago who fought to protect our islands from the onslaught of colonization, we came close to extinction, but courage and resilience sustained us."

He said as Kalinago stayed together and prevented themselves from extinction with unity; similarly, a collective effort will safeguard the world from climate change.

Minister said Dominica is doing its bit to reduce the impacts of climate change by using more sustainable tourism paths, digitizing the economy, decarbonizing and using renewable energy.

As per Minister Cozier Frederick, the younger generation is already on board to fight back climate change and live on a healthy planet. He asked the world to support each other in finding a solution.