How many of us know the Caribbean led the push for a sustainable and resilient planet?
I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr James Fletcher, a stalwart in the climate change arena, whose contributions to the 1.5C discourse are monumental.
As the former St Lucia minister with responsibility for public service, sustainable development, energy, science, and technology, founder of the Caribbean Climate Justice Project and a pivotal figure in the Caribbean's climate advocacy, Fletcher has insights into the intricacies of international climate-change negotiations that offer a blueprint for understanding and action.
His leadership during the Paris Agreement talks at COP21 in 2015, particularly his co-chairing of the committee on the 1.5C target, was instrumental in securing this critical threshold in the final text and intentions of the Paris Agreement.
The Caribbean, led by figures like Fletcher and backed by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), was unwavering in its stance – the 1.5C target was non-negotiable, a red line they were prepared to stand behind.
Nine years on, scientists continue to urge the world to keep this commitment.
2023's stark warning
Last year marked the first time on record that every day within a year exceeded 1C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial level for that time of year.
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), in 2023 close to 50 per cent of the days were more than 1.5C warmer than the 1850-1900 level, and two days in November 2023 were, for the first time, more than 2C warmer.
This dramatic rise was driven by relentless greenhouse-gas emissions and a particularly fierce El Niño. With the 2023 average temperatures now approximately 1.48C warmer than the pre-industrial average, we are now close to breaching the 1.5C guardrail set by the Paris Agreement.
The corporate sector, long identified as a major climate actor, is now at a crossroads. With a mere 100 entities responsible for the lion's share of emissions, the imperative for a green overhaul is glaring. The transition to sustainability is now recognised as an unavoidable necessity.
The battle for 1.5C
The journey to embedding 1.5C in the Paris Agreement was fraught with scepticism and resistance. Developed nations baulked at the stringent target, citing a lack of scientific backing.
Yet the Caribbean bloc, under Fletcher's astute leadership, stood firm, leveraging scientific evidence, moral authority, and strategic diplomacy to sway the negotiations.
[caption id="attachment_1065318" align="alignnone" width="641"] Dr James Fletcher -[/caption]
The turning point came through a series of negotiations, notably with Australia, which underscored the importance of strategic alliances and compromise.
Fletcher's role transcended national interests, embodying the collective will of vulnerable nations demanding a fair stake in the global climate dialogue.
2024 and the road ahead
The early months of 2024 have continued to break temperature records. For example, in February 2024, 1
