Climate Mobility Summit 2024: Honoring Dr. Joyelle Clarke’s Keynote Address
Dr. Clarke (front) and the Permanent Secretary of Sustainable Development Sherilita Dore-Tyson.
Introduction
The Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment of St Kitts and Nevis, delivered a compelling keynote address at the Climate Mobility Summit on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Inherently Linked to Environmental Concerns
Dr. Clarke (front) and the Permanent Secretary of Sustainable Development Sherilita Dore-Tyson.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Clarke challenged the often-idealized perception of the Caribbean.
“This is the idealism that is often marketed of our islands – your paradise for a few days. But the lived reality of Caribbean residents is not what most think of when preparing to bake in our unforgiving sunshine,” she stated, drawing attention to the daily struggles Caribbean nations face due to rising sea levels and climate crises.
Dr. Clarke emphasized that climate mobility is not just an environmental issue, but a human rights concern, highlighting how climate displacement disrupts communities and erodes cultural identities.
“For us, every inch of rising water, every drought, every hurricane represents lost land, culture, and opportunity,” the environment minister remarked, while stressing that climate change-induced displacement is becoming an increasing reality for many Caribbean families forced to leave their homes, not out of choice, but out of necessity.
A Global Call to Action
She called for the global community to work together in combating the challenges of climate immobility.
She outlined key areas for action, including fostering stronger connections among small island states and their partners, demanding access to adequate climate financing, and insisting on climate transparency and corporate accountability from industrial polluters.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Dr. Clarke passionately encouraged collaboration across borders, sectors, and communities.
“Let us work to safeguard our paradises and fight for their existence so that our people for generations to come can know themselves, not by struggle or displacement, but through a heritage and a home that lives on,” she said.
FAQs
What is the Climate Mobility Summit 2024?
The Climate Mobility Summit 2024 is an international gathering that aims to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on forced displacement and migration.
What did Dr. Clarke emphasize in her keynote address?
Dr. Clarke stressed the importance of global collaboration to address climate mobility, emphasizing that climate change is an existential threat to Caribbean nations and small island developing states worldwide.
What actions did Dr. Clarke recommend?
Dr. Clarke called for global cooperation in combating climate immobility, including stronger connections among small island states and their partners, climate financing, and climate transparency and accountability from industrial polluters.