Climate change and environmental legislation in support of the delivery of the new Programme of Action for SIDS

The vulnerability of Caribbean small island developing States (SIDS) to the impacts of climate change is extensively documented. This situation is aggravated by SIDS’ higher vulnerability to external economic shocks and by existing barriers to much-needed financial support to address the requirements to build more resilient infrastructure. Therefore, both the disproportionate effects of climate change and the inadequate climate and development finance architecture currently in place internationally make the phenomena of climate change a threat to SIDS' sustainable development. Given the existing gap in climate finance required for the subregion’s climate adaptation, the development of robust and transparent legal frameworks is vital to creating an environment conducive to mobilizing public and private funds, both nationally and internationally. Transparent and ambitious legal frameworks are key to attracting public international funds and private sector finance.

The event will seek to shed light on innovative legislation and its roles in creating a positive funding environment for the implementation of sustainable development agendas, including the new Programme of Action for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Additionally, the event will showcase how the OPCC Legislative Tracker can be used as a tool to promote transparency and intergovernmental cooperation in the area of the environment and climate change legislation.

About the OPCC

The OPCC is a network of lawmakers, technical advisors, and government focal points from Latin America and the Caribbean. The OPCC’s main goal is to bolster environmental and climate change legislation in the region. This initiative stems from a recognition of the crucial role of cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity among parliamentarians across the region in facilitating a just transition to sustainable and low-carbon economies and enhanced resilience. The portfolio of activities, resources, and opportunities available to OPCC participants are summarised below:

• A network-building and knowledge-sharing platform.
• An online database and information dissemination tool.
• A forum for technical and high-level coordination and dialogue to enhance the region’s climate ambition.

The OPCC currently has the participation of 26 parliamentarians from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, the British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

More information on the OPCC can be accessed on the Observatory’s website.