Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis traveled to New York where he is expected to participate in the United Nations General Assembly this week.  He also attended the New York Climate Summit where he delivered a speech entitled ‘It’s Time To Move Past Business As Usual’.

During his presentation Mr. Davis spoke to the climate goals of The Bahamas.  He said, “the Bahamas NDC for example set a goal of reducing green house gases from 30% and transitioning to 30% renewable energy by 2030, a commitment we are pursuing with determined resolve.  These commitments are not just rhetoric they are the base for concrete, measurable action taking place right now in The Bahamas.  We are transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence prioritizing energy efficiency upgrades across our nation.”

The Prime Minister also expressed the importance of funding for loss and damage.  “The world has agreed to a loss and damage fund and has pledged a poultry $800 million towards the fund.  Our concern, will these funds be mobilized and how will access to the funds be further restricted to countries which need it most.  Global financial institutions and structures must change to address the needs to the SIDs, least developed countries and developing countries in general.”

Mr. Davis told attendees about some of the affects of climate change in The Bahamas drawing reference to endemic bird species.  “The Bahamas Nuthatch, only found on the island of Grand Bahama, has not been seen since Hurricane Matthew in 2016.  The Bahama Wobbler, whose habitats extends to both the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, has only been seen on Abaco since Hurricane Dorian. Climate change wipes out full species with the blink of an eye and we as world leaders need to do more to support our ecosystems.”

Climate change week end on September 29th.