CARICOM selects seasoned St. Lucian climate leader Dr. James Fletcher to spearhead regional advocacy efforts.
Dr. James Fletcher, a distinguished St. Lucian climate advocate instrumental in drafting the Paris Agreement, has been appointed as the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) climate envoy, effective January 1, 2025, according to the CARICOM news website.
This appointment is part of CARICOM’s 2024 decision, taken during the Conference of Heads of Government, to strengthen its leadership in global climate forums. The initiative aims to ensure that the region’s climate priorities are effectively communicated and advanced at the highest diplomatic levels.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett noted, “CARICOM has long recognized the existential threat posed by climate change to the region’s social, economic, and environmental sustainability, and there is increasing urgency to take action to ensure that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius remains viable.”
Dr. Fletcher, a former Minister for Public Service, Information, Broadcasting, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science, and Technology in Saint Lucia, brings extensive experience to his new role. He spearheaded the Caribbean’s “1.5 to Stay Alive” campaign, which galvanized civil society support for stronger climate action. His pivotal contributions at COP 21, where he helped achieve consensus on the historic Paris Agreement, earned him recognition from the climate advocacy group Global Optimism.
In addition to his advocacy, Dr. Fletcher has authored several works addressing the climate crisis, including “Where is the Justice? An Anthology of Caribbean Youth Perspectives on the Climate Crisis”, which highlights regional youth voices in the climate movement.
As CARICOM’s climate envoy, Dr. James Fletcher will spearhead efforts to champion the Caribbean’s priorities in global climate policies, ensuring the region’s voice remains central to climate discussions.
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