Belmopan. July 29, 2021. 5:00 p.m.
Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, led a delegation to London, England, to participate in the UK July Ministerial, following an invitation by H.E. Alok Sharma, COP26 President-Designate.
The July Ministerial, held from July 25 to 26, 2021, provided an opportunity for a representative group of ministers to meet in person to discuss their expectations ahead of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26), the shape and substance of the potential outcome, and to provide guidance on outstanding negotiations issues.
The discussions were based on five themes:
- Protecting people and nature from the impacts of climate change (adaptation and loss and damage);
- Cutting emissions to keep 1.5°C within reach;
- Mobilising finance;
- Finalising Article 6 in the Paris Rulebook; and
- Inclusive climate action.
During the two-day session, Minister Habet defended Belize’s position calling for G20 countries to increase ambition and commit to reducing emissions by 50% to be reflected in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). He stressed the need for concrete action and pledges, rapidly phasing out coal-fired plants, forbidding the funding of new ones and banning all new coal-fired plants to get back on track to keep 1.5°C within reach. Minister Habet also highlighted the need for increased quality, accessible, and unencumbered finance for adaptation to climate change for Small Island Developing States like Belize. Furthermore, the minister outlined Belize’s recent experience with climate change related events such as ETA and IOTA and the significant impact they had on the country’s resources, of which impacts were more pronounced in the current post-COVID fiscal space.
On the fringes of the July Ministerial, Minister Habet participated in meetings of the High Ambition Coalition, the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS) and CARICOM to strategize and converge on common positions on the thematic areas to be addressed at the Ministerial and the upcoming COP.
The Belize delegation included H.E. Carlos Fuller, Belize’s chief negotiator for Climate Change and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Dr. Kenrick Williams, CEO in the ministry.
Ends
