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Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy, and Utilities, and Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment. Credit: Aishwarya Bajpai/IPSBAKU, Nov 20 (IPS) - At COP29, Saint Kitts and Nevis, the smallest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere, stands as a beacon of climate action and renewable energy ambition.
The Federation has set its sights on achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030, leveraging its natural resources of trade winds, solar radiation, and geothermal potential. Despite a modest 40 MW power demand, it can generate over 1 GW, enabling it to support regional energy solutions.
Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy, and Utilities, outlined the nation's strategy for transitioning to renewable energy.
"We have tremendous renewable energy capability," he stated, emphasizing the need for partnerships given the country's limited financial resources. For solar energy, Saint Kitts and Nevis have adopted power purchase agreements (PPAs) to attract private investment.
Geothermal energy, a riskier endeavor, is being supported by contingently recallable grants from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). "If the geothermal source is viable, the grant converts into a concessionary loan; if not, it remains a grant," he explained.
However, the country's climate challenges are stark. Rising sea levels, intensifying extreme weather, and a 20 percent reduction in rainfall over the last decade have taken a toll on its people and ecosystems. The government has invested in desalination plants to address water scarcity and maintained a low debt-to-GDP ratio for economic resilience.
Still, Maynard stressed the need for international support. "We need action now and easier access to assistance. Countries are disappearing while we continue to talk."
Dr. Joyelle Trizia Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, echoed the urgency for action, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Saint Kitts and Nevis.
She emphasized the critical role of finance mechanisms such as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and the loss and damage fund.
"We are hoping the NCQG establishes a minimum floor for financing, with a focus on concessionality and the inclusion of loss and damage mechanisms," she said. Transparency, particularly in tracking and reporting carbon credits, is vital for ensuring the effectiveness of such frameworks.
Clarke also highlighted the challenges of balancing disaster recovery and economic development. "We can't respond to the climate crisis through social protection strategies alone while also trying to develop our economies—it's unsustainable."
"Financing must be concessionary and grant-based. If it comes to debt, it should be sustainable, and debt servicing should be paused during climate crises, as outlined in the Bridgetown Agenda."
The recurring devastation caused by hurricanes and other disasters has set back decades of development. In one example, Grenada accessed USD 44 million from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility after Hurricane Beryl.
However, Clarke called for more direct and accessible global financing. "We shouldn't have to pay into these funds to access support. Global financing must directly reach local mechanisms, enabling us to extract funds quickly in times of need."
Both ministers emphasized the importance of unity among SIDS to address shared vulnerabilities.
Clarke underscored the need for South-South cooperation. ‘We must explore technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and local solutions rather than solely relying on the elusive financing from developed countries.'
As COP29 progresses, Saint Kitts and Nevis continue to advocate for actionable outcomes.
"Declarations and alliances are just words. The real conversation is about the money—that's what matters most," Clarke stressed.
Maynard added a hopeful yet pragmatic perspective: "We're not just waiting around. We're doing everything we can to survive and thrive, but there has to be climate justice and collaboration."
Saint Kitts and Nevis exemplifies how small nations can lead the charge in climate action. Through its renewable energy ambitions and calls for global partnerships, it demonstrates that size is no barrier to driving meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
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