COP29 was held in Baku from November 11 to 22. In collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), PIRAC’s voice was carried by its partners to highlight the climate challenges facing the Caribbean region. Together, these players highlighted the specific vulnerabilities of small island states in the face of increasing climate-related disasters, while emphasizing the need for greater support to meet the needs of populations during humanitarian crises.

A global context marked by growing climatic challenges

The Conference of the Parties (COP), the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), brings together governments, businesses, NGOs and civil society players every year. An essential platform for negotiating global commitments, the COP aims to limit global warming, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the most vulnerable countries. Since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, these conferences have been crucial to ensuring that the commitments of signatory countries are translated into real action on the ground.

In November 2024, COP29 took place in Baku in a global context increasingly marked by the impacts of climate change. Among the priorities discussed were the strengthening of climate financing mechanisms and measures for loss and damage suffered by developing countries. Although progress has been made, notably on the climate financing target and mechanisms for loss and damage, challenges remain to turn these commitments into tangible reality on the ground.

Working together to protect Caribbean islands from natural disasters

Thanks to its regional partners, PIRAC was able to highlight the specific features and vulnerabilities of the Caribbean islands in the face of climate-related disasters. The occasion served as a reminder of the importance of ambitious, coordinated climate action to improve the adaptation and resilience of small island states, particularly in the face of the risk of natural disasters.

PIRAC’s objectives for COP29:

• Raise awareness of the increased exposure of Caribbean countries to seven natural disasters: tsunamis, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, cyclones and droughts.
• Highlight the need for closer international cooperation to meet growing humanitarian needs.

Looking to the future: the Caribbean at the heart of climate issues

As eyes turn to COP30 in Brazil in 2025, the year marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the hope remains that the negotiations will offer concrete solutions for the Caribbean.

The region’s islands, already facing significant climate challenges, will continue to mobilize for stronger global commitments to address current and future crises, while strengthening their capacity to adapt to climate change. The countries of the region will continue to fight for:

• Increased climate financing for adaptation and resilience.
• Rapid implementation of compensation mechanisms for loss and damage.
• Increased international support for vulnerable populations.

True to its mission of strengthening the resilience of Caribbean communities,PIRAC will continue its efforts to ensure that the vulnerability of Caribbean states to disaster risk is at the heart of global climate negotiations.Solidarity and collective action must be central to the next steps to ensure that Caribbean countries can cope with current and future crises, while strengthening their capacity to adapt to climate change.