The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis warned that the world can no longer afford “business as usual” on climate action, as global temperatures have now exceeded the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold for an entire year, putting both humanity and vulnerable nations like The Bahamas at risk.

Experts say failing to remain below the 1.5 degrees threshold significantly increases the risks of severe climate impacts, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.

Speaking at Climate Week NYC 2024 on Sunday, Mr Davis expressed alarm that the global temperature threshold had been exceeded for the first time over a full year. He urged world leaders to take bold action, reframing climate action as an opportunity rather than a sacrifice.

“I understand that tackling climate change presents a unique challenge. It requires us to make decisions today that may not yield immediate benefits,” he said, noting that leaders often face pressure from election cycles and short-term results. “But we, as global leaders, need to reframe the narrative. Climate action is about creating new industries, new jobs, and new pathways to prosperity and security.”

Mr Davis highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on The Bahamas, where hurricanes like Dorian and Matthew have led to an ongoing cycle of borrowing to rebuild. He warned that the country’s vulnerability to climate crises makes sustained development difficult and contributes to escalating debt.

“After Hurricane Matthew, The Bahamas faced significant recovery costs, compounded by Hurricane Dorian just three years later,” he said. “This recurring pattern of destruction and recovery creates a perpetual state of vulnerability.”

He also emphasised the threat climate change poses to biodiversity, mentioning that the Bahama Warbler has not been seen in Abaco since Hurricane Dorian.

Calling for a radical shift in how the world tackles the climate crisis, Prime Minister Davis urged fossil fuel companies to be held accountable for the cost of their actions. He reaffirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent and transitioning to 30 percent renewable energy by 2030, with plans to install solar farms in the capital, build hybrid grids on the Family Islands, and harness Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) for clean energy.

Additionally, he noted the government’s efforts to protect seagrass meadows, which serve as significant carbon sinks, and to develop a blue carbon methodology to leverage carbon credits. A coral gene bank is also being established to preserve ecosystems for future generations.