PM Browne spoke about the problems of SIDS at COP28 in Dubai

Antigua and Barbuda: The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne is attending the COP28 in Dubai. He shared his views on the challenges being faced by the Small Island Developing States on Saturday.

The COP28, a meeting on the topic of climate change held by United Nations, is being conducted in Dubai, UAE from 30th November to 12th December.

Notably, PM Browne didn’t just speak as the leader of Antigua and Barbuda in COP 28 meeting but as an advocate for the Small Islands in the Americas. He shed light on the suffocating struggle faced by Small Island Developing States amidst environmental change.

PM Browne also highlighted the environmental crisis that Small Island Developing States are going through due to the harsh effects of the climate change. He emphasized upon how changing temperatures have impacted not only the Small Islands of the Americas, but the entire planet.

PM Browne’s deep concern was evident, as he discussed the catastrophic effects of climate change, not just for Antigua and Barbuda but for the world as a whole.

PM Gaston Browne also threw light on the proposal of New International Climate Tax, which is supported by countries like France and Kenya.

It was also mentioned by PM Browne, “Its not a call for action but a plea for justice.”
It is to be noted that France and Kenya will launch a coalition of countries that support the idea of implementing an international tax. This tax would aim to generate billions of dollars to help developing nations who are exposed to the climate crisis more than most.

PM Browne also mentioned Antigua and Barbuda’s involvement in the fossil fuel Non-proliferation Treaty. This treaty aims explicitly to halt the expansion of fossil fuel exploitation and ensure a transition towards clean energy, moving away from coal, oil and gas.

While shedding light on the major issue, he stated that the problem lies in the fact that there is an excessive amount of coal, oil and gas in the reserves of both companies and governments.

He also added that if they’ll burn all these fossil fuels then it would lead to a disastrous impact on the climate. Therefore, they need to find alternative measures to reduce their dependence on these harmful fuels.

PM Browne also added “This reinforces why we urgently need international action like the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. There are two main reasons why the world needs to act fast. Firstly, the fossil fuel system underpins so much of our existing economies. If we leave this to the market alone, energy industry leaders might not act fast enough. This will slow the transition to green energy and cause countries to miss their targets”.

It was also mentioned by PM Browne that this transition will cause huge trouble for many economies, especially for the 400 million people residing in the nations that are rely highly on oil sales for the government revenue.

PM Browne is determined to set an example for sustainable growth and ensure a bright future for the generations to come.