Statement
By
The Honourable W. Baldwin Spencer
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
of
Antigua and Barbuda
to the
Thirty-Seventh Session of the
Organization of American States Assembly


Fourth Plenary Session “The socio-economic and environmental impact of climate change on the countries in the Hemisphere”

Panama City, Panama                        
June 04, 2007                   

Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished Members of the Head Table,
Fellow Ministers and Heads of Delegation,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

If there is one thing on which we can agree:  climate change poses a clear and present danger to every country in this hemisphere and we can no longer afford to sit back and do nothing. I am therefore pleased to again highlight one of the greatest threats confronting our nations: the socio-economic and environmental impact of global climate change.

I do so for the very simple reason that our ultimate survival as countries depends on urgent action to address this threat. And while it is true that the threat is common to all countries of this hemisphere, both big and small, it is the small among us, the so-called, small island developing States (SIDS), who are most at risk and are universally recognized as being among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

Mr. President,

In 1989, my twin-island nation was at the forefront of the negotiations that ultimately led to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.  We were convinced then, as we are now, that the Convention's primary objective of reducing the dangerous levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the earth's atmosphere must be realized in order to protect the global environment and to avoid serious disruptions to life on this planet.

To date, he international community's efforts to reduce GHGs have been modest at best.  Meanwhile, human induced climate change, manifested through severe temperature fluctuations and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, continue to wreak havoc on our countries.

Mr. President,

The latest assessment released by the foremost scientific authority on climate change, the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), shows unequivocally, that global warming is taking place and is accelerating.  That same assessment also indicates that SIDS are very much on the front line of climate change and its adverse impacts on our people, economies, tourism and ecosystems are likely be severe.

For a small island developing state such as mine, this assessment heightens not only our concerns about the impact of climate change, but also our resolve that appropriate adaptive mechanisms must be put in place to arrest the anticipated impacts of this phenomenon. 

The impact of the IPCC's warning also has particular relevance to our major industry, tourism.  Tourism, is our primary source of foreign exchange. This also holds true for our neighbors as well. And the science is now telling us that more than any other industry, tourism would face severe disruption from both climate change and sea level rise. 

Mr. President,

It has been projected that air temperature for the Caribbean sub-region will rise between 1 to 4 degrees Celsius by 2100.  With increasing temperatures we are likely to see increases in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes and a more   alarming rise in the rate of coral bleaching.  Sadly, while 2100 may seem far away to some, we in Antigua and Barbuda and around the Caribbean region are already beginning to experience these impacts all around us.

These impacts are not limited to the Caribbean. In parts of Central America, Florida and Texas, the increase in global climatic patterns have also begun to impact the coral reefs, which are showing signs of bleaching. 

According to scientists, this bleaching can be attributed to environmental stresses that include increased sea surface temperatures.

The rapid bleaching of our coral reefs is of particular concern because if not addressed, this could ultimately lead to the total destruction of this precious resource.  For Antigua and Barbuda, the miles of coral reef acts as protective barriers and creates the tranquil waters which have become one of the hallmarks of our tourism industry.  In addition, these reefs are home to many species of fish, and other marine life, all of which contribute to the delicate ecological balance of our coastline.

Mr. President,

The long term prognosis for the Caribbean region is quite grim and quite frankly, Sir, urgent steps are needed to address the seemingly irreversible upward trend of global warming.  If we fail to take concerted action, my region alone faces:

•    Extended periods of drought which would adversely affect the agricultural base of Caribbean economies;
•    Reduction in quantities of available water- the impact of which will be felt by various sectors including, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and development.

Mr. President,

Inaction is no longer a viable option.  This hemisphere must begin to work collectively to reduce the level of GHGs, which are being emitted into the atmosphere.  If we fail to act, we could forever alter the earth's ecological balance thereby placing mankind's very existence in jeopardy.

The way forward is clear Mr. President. We need to take steps to reduce our vulnerability to climate change, particularly in SIDS and in our region's least developed country; we need to redouble our collective efforts aimed at reducing GHGs; and we should all aim to do this within the framework of the Climate Change Convention and its Kyoto Protocol.

We need to accelerate the transfer and introduction of technologies that allow for the emission of cleaner air into the earth's atmosphere; move to more widespread use of renewable energy sources; and make available new and additional resources to assist poorer countries address poverty and those environmental changes that drive disasters.

As a small island developing State, my delegation also believes that we must act collectively to foster closer collaboration in the development of adaptation mechanisms, capacity-building for adaptation and to ensure the allocation of the requisite resources to assist all developing countries with the development of these adaptation mechanisms.

Mr. President,

The future for small developing states is now.   Individually and as a group of nations, we can all take actions that will significantly reduce the level of carbon dioxide, which is emitted into the atmosphere.  We, collectively, can determine our future and we owe future generations to ensure that are able to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of this planet earth.

I thank you, Mr. President