Port of Spain, November 21, 2025 – As the 30^th Conference of the Parties (COP30) comes to a close, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance join over 125 civil society organisations and activists in calling for governments and world leaders to act with courage and solidarity to ensure dignity, justice and resilience for Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) and the Global South.

Hurricane Melissa, which left over 90 dead and catastrophic damage across western Jamaica and sections of Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas from October 28-29, 2025, was not a ‘natural’ disaster. Its unprecedented strength and rapid intensification were the result of rising emissions and continued fossil fuel dependence and expansion, corporate greed and decades of political inaction. 

COP30 must be a turning point. We must:

• End fossil fuel expansion and adopt a global roadmap to phase-out oil, coal and gas
• Keep the 1.5°C goal alive through decisive and ambitious action, including curbing carbon and methane emissions, tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030
• Deliver climate finance that is accessible, transparent and just, including loss and damage finance that reaches affected communities quickly and supports equitable recovery and finance for long-term transformative resilience
• Prioritise community-led assistance, planning and rebuilding to centre those most affected by the climate crisis in shaping their recovery and resilience
• Invest in innovative, climate-resilient and just nature-based solutions in rebuilding that restore ecosystems and strengthen livelihoods
• Acknowledge and pay the climate debt and reparations owed to Caribbean SIDS, recognising the historical and current responsibilities of major emitters
• Recognise and safeguard the range of human rights, including the right of all people to a safe, liveable planet

Please see the attached call to action in English, Haitian Creole and Spanish, and photo with credit, for your immediate use.

You may also read the call to action here: https://bit.ly/CCSCallToAction.