Long-Term Climate Change Strategies were in focus at the second session of the Caribbean NDC Support Virtual Exchange Series

Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) are crucial to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. They underpin the NDCs that each country submits under the Agreement and articulate the direction of development. Like the NDCs, support and capacity building are needed for all nations to develop a LT-LEDS.

The second session of the Caribbean Virtual Exchange series focused on support available in the region. The webinar was hosted by RCC St. Georges on 19 August and brought together over 60 participants from across the Caribbean.

The webinar featured an overview of LT-LEDS delivered by Dr. Massamba Thioye, Manager in the Mitigation Division who highlighted the value in developing a concrete plan for climate-resilient and low emissions development to guide immediate action and medium-term policy planning, including NDCs.

This overview was followed by an introduction to the LT-LEDS conceptual framework by Dr. Henri Waisman from the Institute of Sustainable Development and International Relations – Deep De-carbonization Pathways (IDDRI-DDP). He focused how LT-LEDS help meet Paris Agreement commitments, the NDCs, and support national climate change plans.

With all participants up to speed on LT-LEDS, Dr. Stelios Grafakos from Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) explained the forms of support available and the benefits of a systematic approach to addressing climate change.

Country experiences followed, with Mr. Omar Alcock from Jamaica showcasing his country’s intent to submit a LT-LEDS that outlines capacity building needs and investments on clean technologies., crucial for implementation of their NDCs. Ms. Deepitika Chand shared Fiji’s experience on developing LT-LEDS, the foundation for a low-carbon and resilient future for the island nation.  Senator Anthony Vieira, Vice President of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Climate Change, followed with examples of how collaboration among countries strengthens the development of LT-LEDS.

The next thematic session was dedicated to regional partners. UNDP, USAID, IRENA and the FAO offered technical support, knowledge creation and other opportunities to enhance LT-LEDS development in the Caribbean.

Fiona Clouder, COP26 Regional Ambassador for Latin America and the Caribbean closed the event by highlighting those long-term strategies establish a clear, credible and transparent path to climate neutrality. She thanked countries who have submitted their LT-LEDS, and invited countries to submit their LT-LEDS as they prepare for COP26.

The event was moderated by Vintura Silva, Regional Lead at RCC St. George’s. All presentations from our panelists can be found here.