Climate Analytics Caribbean's new Acting Deputy Director reflects on Just Transition for the Caribbean
Bianca Beddoe
More Movement! Climate Analytics Caribbean New Acting Deputy Director, Carlon Mendoza, reflects on Just Transition for the Caribbean
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Our new Acting Deputy Director, Carlon Mendoza, needs no introduction (but permit us a few lines anyway).
Pursuing climate justice for the most vulnerable is at the heart of Carlon’s work. As Climate Policy Advisor – Climate Justice, he supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) regionally and internationally to ensure our unique circumstances are well represented in global climate decisions and policies.
His analysis in reports such as What does a just transition look like for Caribbean Small Island Developing States and Navigating the just transition: trends and knowledge for the Caribbean have moved the dial forward provide insights that are critical to ensuring the Caribbean is not left behind and can thrive in the global shift toward to green economies.
Reflecting on the Just Transition outcomes of the UN Bonn Climate Conference (SB64), Carlon explains:
“A just transition is not simply about moving away from fossil fuels. It is about preserving the dignity of our people, ensuring that no one is left behind in the process. At SB64, countries advanced work on the Just Transition Work Programme, including agreement on the terms of reference for its review. However, there is much work ahead of us at COP31. Importantly we must agree on aspects of the proposed Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) particularly its governance and accountability.
From a Caribbean perspective, the JTM should provide practical support so our countries can have realistic avenues to integrate just transition into our NDCs and development strategies. For our islands which are already enduring the brunt of the climate crisis, keeping the goal of 1.5°C alive is key to climate justice. There cannot truly be a just transition if the world fails on its commitment to protect our vulnerable people.”
