Hurricane Beryl Spurs Calls for Climate Justice from Small Island States

The devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl has intensified demands for climate justice from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), of which Antigua and Barbuda is a member. Chairman of AOSIS,

Ambassador Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru, is calling for COP29 to be a transformational moment with clear actions to reduce emissions and establish a new climate finance goal suitable for Small Island Developing States.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, a prominent advocate for international climate justice, emphasized the urgent need for action following Hurricane Beryl’s impact.

His comments were made during an ABS News interview, coinciding with AOSIS’s first monthly meeting since the SIDS4 conference in Antigua in May.

The AOSIS Chairman praised Antigua and Barbuda’s organization of the successful conference and pushed for the swift implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).

Ambassador Walton Webson, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, joined in urging for the quick realization of ABAS goals and reported ongoing interest from major international partners in the Centre of Excellence, a key pillar of ABAS.