ROWLEY’S CLIMATE CHANGE JOYRIDE

PRIME Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and his travelling team are not expected to bring value to or reap rewards from the United Nations’ 26^th Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). 

That is because Trinidad and Tobago has made no commitments with respect to climate change and, therefore, cannot be held to account. 

COP26, from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow, Scotland, would focus on decarbonising economies, to the point of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Governments are also being asked to end support of the fossil fuel energy sector and to create nature-based projects and other environmentally friendly undertakings. 

There have been no such commitments from the Rowley administration, which also scrapped the Ministry of Environment upon assuming office. 

The government has also not announced any climate change initiatives even though T&T remains the largest producer of carbon emissions in the Eastern Caribbean. 

Most participating countries have long announced various policy measures, which have been debated by their respective Parliaments and civil societies. 

For example, Britain’s Boris Johnson has detailed a 10-point plan and has also revealed that his country is the largest producer of offshore wind energy in the world. 

Countries are being asked to produce 2030 carbon emissions targets that align with reaching net-zero degrees temperature increase by the middle of the century. 

To achieve those targets, countries are being asked to accelerate investments in renewable industries, curtail deforestation, and speed up the switch to electric vehicles. 

They are also being asked to collaborate with each other on these and other specific measures. 

The United Nations has stressed that climate change is negatively impacting all areas of economic and social life. 

T&T has shown no interest or leadership on these matters, and Caricom has also been silent. 

“The trip could be a wonderful vacation and joyride for the Prime Minister,” one cynic said. 

“It is regrettable that T&T has provided no regional leadership on the most critical international issue of our time.” 

The conference is expected to issue a public statement of further commitments toward reaching its set targets. 

COP26 officials have been speaking of accelerated actions. 

But T&T is expected to be an idle bystander.