Her Excellency and Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, has emerged as another sterling, brilliant leader and visionary, who seldom walk this way. Seemingly incarnated not only to sit at the helm of Barbados and steer her course, but to bring several other burning issues, not the least being the current climate crisis and the need for urgent and immediate attention, forefront, to the minds of world leaders.
As a small island developing state, Barbados, along with the rest of the Caribbean, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which includes rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of storms, and coral bleaching. PM Mottley has been a forceful vocal advocate, using the world stage to implore leaders to take urgent action to mitigate the potentially adverse effects to climate change. She warns that this could be detrimental to several nations, at both the local and international level, and has taken concrete steps to reduce Barbados’ greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
One of PM Mottley’s key initiatives is the Barbados Green Economy Scoping Study, which was launched in 2019. This study aims to identify opportunities for Barbados to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. It will assess the potential for renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture and forestry, sustainable tourism and waste management. The study is being conducted in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and is supported by funding from the Global Environment Facility. By laying the groundwork for a green economy, PM Mottley is positioning Barbados for long-term sustainability and economic growth.
In 2020, she was appointed by the United Nations Secretary – General António Guterres to serve as a member of his High-Level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing. The group is tasked with identifying ways to mobilize the trillions of dollars needed to finance the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. PM Mottley has advocated for greater support for small island developing states, which are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but have the least capacity to respond.
At the national level, PM Mottley has implemented a number of policies and programs to reduce Barbados’ greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Politics.
Another of her initiatives is the Barbados National Energy Policy 2019-2030, which sets a target of generating 65% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The policy also includes measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel consumption. PM Mottley has also launched the Climate Resilience Execution Agency of Barbados (CREAB), which is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the country’s climate adaptation and mitigation programs.
In addition to these policy initiatives, she has taken a proactive approach to engaging with stakeholders on climate change. She has convened a national consultation process to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders on Barbados’ climate action plan. She has also worked closely with civil society organizations and the private sector to promote climate action and build resilience.
Her leadership on climate change has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was awarded the International Seabed Authority Secretary-General Award for Excellence in Diplomacy for her work on climate change and sustainable development. The award recognized her Outstanding Leadership, diplomacy and advocacy in advancing the global sustainable development agenda and in particular, the sustainable management of ocean and coastal resources.”
PM Mottley’s leadership on climate change is a shining example of what can be achieved when political will is matched with concrete action. By prioritizing climate action at the national and international levels, Mottley is positioning Barbados for a sustainable, prosperous future. Her commitment to building resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a model for other small island developing states and countries around the world.
