COP26: Bermuda’s Green Moment
Climate change is real. It’s happening. It’s getting worse.
The inconvenient truth is that small vulnerable islands such as Bermuda are the ones that are going to feel the brunt of the pain.
We have already begun witnessing the following; stronger and more frequent hurricanes, changes in sea temperature which will dramatically impact all aspects of our blue economy including our fisherfolk, cliff erosion erosion and increased flooding in low lying areas.
It is clear that climate change is already upon us.
It will also impact our reinsurance sector who will have to pay out bigger and bigger claims as various eco-disasters impact their downstream client base.
The consequences for Bermuda and all small island states are real and we are the ones paying the price.
The COP26 summit currently taking place in Glasgow, Scotland presents a unique opportunity for Bermuda and other small islands to tell our story to the world’s powers. Speaking as one, we will advocate for the big polluters to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that those who are adversely impacted have support.
Of course, Bermuda is playing our role.
We are placing a massive emphasis on renewable energy with the development of the 6 MW solar farm on the airport, funding solar on government buildings all across the island, and providing incentives for rooftop solar, This includes the duty free importation of solar panels and equipment.
In addition, we are working with BELCO to promote long term renewable energy, introducing electric buses, moving forward with a ban on single use plastics, and introducing vertical farming initiatives that will help towards domestic food security.
At COP26, Bermuda has united with other Overseas Territories, Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos and the Virgin Islands.
The Overseas Territories, other CARICOM nations, and small islands around the world will work together to ensure that the industrialized nations' polluters provide protections for those of us most at risk from
climate change.
Bermuda, it is up to all of us to get serious about catastrophic climate change, because if we do not the future generations will suffer most.
Senator Lindsay Simmons - Junior Minister for Social Development and Seniors and Home Affairs