Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Melvin Turnbull is currently abroad representing the Territory at the 27th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
In offering a breakdown of the BVI’s intentions for the Conference Honourable Turnbull said, “It is important to note that small island nations such as ours typically have the smallest carbon footprints and produce the least amount of pollution, but however, suffer consequences that we are far less able to mitigate than larger countries and states, whose contributions to climate change is greater. This is why our presence and participation in COP27 along with other small island states is crucial”.
It has been noted that COP 27 is a unique opportunity for the BVI to strengthen its partnership with the United Kingdom Government through the newly appointed Overseas Territories Minister the Rt. Hon. Lord Goldsmith.
During his time in Egypt, Minister Turnbull is expected to meet with Lord Goldsmith to discuss support mechanisms.
Turnbull is also expected to contribute to discussions during the “Protagonist Latin American and Caribbean Parliaments: Mobilising Climate Finance” event, where he is to speak in support of the Parliamentary Observatory on Climate Change and Just Transition (OPCC), with which the BVI holds a partnership.
A statement from Turnbull, seen by 284 news, echoed the dire situation presented by climate change.
“Globally, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. Rising global average temperature and rapid global warming are causing alarming consequences on human beings and all other forms of life on earth. In the Virgin Islands, we have first-hand experience through increased flooding, and stronger tropical weather systems which includes the devastating Hurricanes of 2017 – Irma and Maria. The universal goal of COP27 is to accelerate global climate action through emissions reduction, scaled-up adaptation efforts and enhanced flows of appropriate finance”, it said.