ICJ hearing on state obligations regarding climate change
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing from 98 states and 12 international organizations this week in a case that will culminate in an advisory (non-binding) opinion clarifying the obligations states have to respond to climate change and their liabilities. ODI explores the case in the context of global climate litigation and the role of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in a recent podcast.
With the case brought forth by Vanuatu, SIDS are taking the lead at ICJ, including Caribbean states. Sébastien Duyck of CIEL notes on LinkedIn that Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Barbados all spoke on the first day of the hearings. According to CIEL’s debrief, “Antigua and Barbuda denounced polluting States seeking to hide behind the current climate regime and the Paris Agreement as a shield to escape accountability.” Grenada, meanwhile, is bringing forward the case of a local cemetery uprooted and effectively washed away into the ocean by climate change, reports The Guardian, adding that the attorney general of the Bahamas commented that “securing a legal basis for loss and damage claims had serious implications for countries such as (his). ‘We believe that we’re right in the law on this issue. And we are certainly relying on the judges at the ICJ to reaffirm that belief for us,’ he said.”
Witness Stand calls for youth to join the movement and submit their personal stories for the judges of the International Court of Justice. Check it out and get involved here. IISD highlights the role of youth in campaigning for climate justice at the ICJ.
Climate Justice
44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction globally, reports IUCN, noting, “For example, Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) are two Critically Endangered species in the Caribbean that have experienced significant declines due to increased warming, water pollution, hurricanes and the severe impacts of coral diseases.”
The Guardian makes note of the negative environmental effects cruise companies are having on the Bahamas, highlighting the lack of marine animals alongside the country’s shores, higher levels of pollution, and mangrove destruction, among other concerns.
The Hon. Walter Roban, Minister of Home Affairs, provides an update on the “Bermuda and Climate Change: Impacts from Sea Level rise and Changing Storm Activity” study commissioned to thoroughly assess Bermuda's vulnerabilities to climate change. Press conference and reports available here.
Petchary’s Blog highlights concerns surrounding environmental damage to the Rio Cobre in Jamaica and environmental groups criticisms of a National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) decision to drop charges over a 2023 oil spill.
In a YouTube video, Dionne Jackson Miller dives deeper into the issue.
A UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) technical report explores ocean-related measures included in SIDS' Nationally Determined Contributions.
Trinidadian political economist Keston Perry writes at Al Jazeera that the IMF and the World Bank are hindering progress on fighting climate change, noting that in the event of natural disasters, “intervention by these bodies has consistently worsened the economic situation of climate-stricken communities.”
A new report by CIEL draws attention to the human rights implications of reparations for climate-related destruction, noting the disproportionate impact of these events on those who are in more vulnerable situations.
Climate activists at Loss and Damage Youth Coalition expressed their disillusionment with COP29 and its failure “to meet the necessary ambition against the escalating climate crisis,” claiming that the group is placing undue emphasis on the governments of the Global North and fossil fuel interests.
A new CARICOM report, titled “State of MEAs Implementation and Achievement,” provides an overview of both challenges and advancements made in implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and offers potential solutions.
Finance
An ODI podcast explores “How might the Bridgetown Initiative reshape the global financial architecture?”
Transparency
Emma Lewis at Global Voices calls for greater public transparency in the region: “The Official Secrets Act remains on the books in a number of Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and others. This is despite calls from civil society organisations and comments from political leaders over the years that this outdated law should be repealed.”
Civil Society
As reported in the Jamaica Gleaner, civil society organizations recently highlighted how “the lack of formal legal status for many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) poses significant obstacles to their operations and ability to serve vulnerable communities effectively,” and called for greater recognition and legitimacy of their work.
The Caribbean and the World
In Global Americans, Nand C. Bardouille assesses the stance of Caribbean nations regarding a reform to the UN Security Council, explaining that such a reform is fundamental for CARICOM interests.
Diaspora and Mobility
Dr. Lusa Vasciannie analyzes the potential of the Jamaican diaspora vote in national elections, explaining that the large number of Jamaicans living abroad could have an important impact on democratic participation and electoral outcomes. (LinkedIn)
“Recent anti-immigrant and anti-Venezuelan comments by opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar have received widespread criticism and comparisons to Donald Trump, including sharp condemnation by multiple government officials and a pair of opinions at Newsday,” Jordi explains at the Americas Migration Brief newsletter.
“The New Humanitarian highlights the challenges faced by Venezuelan migrants in Guyana, including extortion, exploitation, and limited access to good paying jobs. Many Venezuelans live in isolated rural areas with limited access to services, which has also impacted access to regular legal status and permit renewals. (check out this special edition of the AMB from February on misperceptions of Venezuelan migrant criminality in Guyana)” (via Americas Migration Brief)
““Asylum applications have tripled in one year in French Guiana. Since January 1, more than 20,000 people have been received at the First Reception Structure for Asylum Seekers (SPADA). The majority of applicants are Haitian nationals already living in French Guiana. This massive influx leads to longer waiting times to be granted asylum, due to a lack of sufficient reinforcements at the One-Stop Shop for Asylum Seekers at the prefecture,” reports Guyane1, noting that current asylum appointment availability is for July 2026.” (via Americas Migration Brief)
Biodiversity
New species of plants and animals were found in a remote location in Guyana, following an exploration by 39 Guyanese and 17 overseas experts, reports Newsroom.
Events
IOM, CARICOM, and partners discuss Caribbean migration narratives and the relationship between migration and development with a panel including academia, the private sector, media, and youth. Check out the recording here.
Opportunities
Cambridge Trust, in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Trinity College, is offering a scholarship for promising students from the Caribbean to pursue their postgraduate education. For more information and to apply, click here.
The UN is hosting a “Becoming a Climate Champion” online course to hone skills related to climate action and initiatives. Fore more information and to apply, click here.