Caribbean Leaders Demand Climate Aid Amid Hurricane Devastation

Caribbean officials called for increased funding and support to combat climate change at an OAS meeting. The appeal followed the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, which exposed the vulnerabilities of small islands in the region. The resolution seeks immediate operation of a loss and damage fund and more accessible climate financing.

Caribbean officials on Friday urgently called for more funding and assistance in battling climate change, following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl.

The appeal was made during an OAS meeting in Washington, DC, where delegates highlighted the storm's catastrophic impact on small islands, killing at least seven and destroying extensive infrastructure.

"(We) are on the front line," noted Virginia Albert-Poyotte of St. Lucia, urging for easier access to climate financing and inclusion of disaster clauses by financial institutions.

The OAS passed a resolution seeking immediate activation of a loss and damage fund agreed at previous UN climate conferences and requested that financial institutions provide disaster funds without heavy conditions.

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro stressed the need for urgent support, noting the severity of natural disasters like Hurricane Beryl.

Chet Neymour of the Bahamas pointed out the lack of accountability by top greenhouse gas emitters and emphasized the dire stakes for Caribbean nations most affected by these changes.

Officials underscored the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure and early warning systems. Delegate Lynn Young of Belize highlighted the urgent nature of climate financing talks, emphasizing Hurricane Beryl's role in showcasing this reality.

(With inputs from agencies.)