Climate Change in the Caribbean: Impacts and Opportunities for Enhancing China/South-South Cooperation

Guyana’s embassy in Beijing was the centre of environmental interest on March 25, 2015, when dozens of representatives from a wide cross-section of international governmental organisations, the diplomatic community and Chinese low-carbon technology companies came together to look at how changes in climate are affecting the Caribbean.

The workshop was organised by INTASAVE Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean Caucus of Ambassadors, with support from the China South Low Carbon Academy. It was attended by about 40 people and explored the impact climate change is having on the Caribbean, and its people, economies and infrastructure.

The event was also a chance for Chinese experts to share progress on China/South-South Cooperation policy and approaches to mitigating the effects of climate change. The forum explored the ways that public-private partnerships can be improved to tackle climate change in the Caribbean.

Professor David Dabydeen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of Guyana, China gave the opening remarks.

Dr Murray Simpson, CEO of the INTASAVE-CARIBSAVE Group and visiting Research Fellow, Oxford University, was the key speaker, addressing issues in the Caribbean, climate change adaptation and low-carbon projects in the region and beyond. Dr Simpson also talked about the challenges and opportunities for south-south cooperation.

Ms Li Ting, Executive Director, China South Low Carbon Academy, shared her organisation’s perspective on developments in Chinese climate change south-south policy.

The event ended with a panel discussion and informal talks.