H.E. Fiona Clouder, the UK Government’s COP26 Regional Ambassador to Latin America and the Caribbean sat down with UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Center for the Caribbean (RCC St. George’s) to discuss how the UK Government aims to make COP26 as inclusive as possible and what SIDS can do to fight the twin crisis of climate change and COVID-19.
RCC St. George’s
What is your role as the COP26 Regional Ambassador?
H.E. Fiona Clouder
I work with governments, business and wider society across Latin America and the Caribbean to help build relations, collaboration and understanding on all issues in relation to COP26.
RCC St. George’s
We have heard the UK Government aims to make COP26 as inclusive as possible, what should we expect?
H.E. Fiona Clouder
COP26 is not just about the formal negotiations, though they remain a core part of the process. The Presidency is running several campaigns, engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders including businesses, individuals, indigenous groups, and young people These campaigns, which we are also running through virtual means, focus on 5 areas; adaptation and resilience; climate finance, nature-based solutions, energy transition, and clean transport and aim to reach as wider group of people as possible. We want all countries to come forward with ambitious 2030 climate plans (NDCs) and long-term strategies to reach zero carbon emissions as soon as possible. But also to step up and help societies and economies adapt to climate change, particularly the most vulnerable.
RCC St. George’s
With the emergence of COVID-19 this year, what do you think SIDS can do to fight the twin crisis of climate change and COVID-19?
H.E. Fiona Clouder
SIDS are particularly vulnerable with both climate change and COVID-19 happening at the same time. This is a major concern for Caribbean countries and others in the region as extreme weather events and climate change have increased the occurrence of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and droughts. The COP26 Presidency is keen to hear the unique voices of all countries no matter how small their territory and from cities and communities. Especially from SIDS, many of whom are already living the reality of dealing with climate change. Their message to the world that climate change is happening is a powerful one from which we can all learn. Adapting and building resilience to climate change are important. as well as helping with some of the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 Practical measures can include sustainable and resilient buildings and future infrastructure as well as encouraging investment and opening up business and new job opportunities, related to a green recovery.
RCC St. George’s
Beyond COVID-19 and with a focus on green recovery, are there any finance opportunities for countries?
H.E. Fiona Clouder
Alongside building adaptive capacity, ease and access to climate finance is a crucial issue for the Region. The UK COP26 Presidency wants to ensure countries follow through on their commitment to mobilize $100bn in climate finance for mitigation and adaptation to developing countries per year by 2020. The UK has committed to double its support to £11.6bn support through international climate finance, over the period 2021 to 2025. We want to encourage all other donor countries to similarly increase their future provision of climate finance.
Achieving net zero requires a transition in the whole economy. We are working with governments, donors, multilateral development banks and business to make commitments to fight climate change. We all need to work together for a better world.
RCC St. George’s
We thank you for your time and role in supporting the voice of SIDS and the Caribbean region in the run up to and during COP26.