CARICOM states unite in song on climate change position

In a statement on Friday the grouping said the song commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the CARICOM Secretariat was written and performed by Barbadian performance poet Adisa “AJA” Andwele

It focuses on the threat posed to small island states by climate change.

“The theme of the song refers to the Centigrade degree limit to which global surface temperatures can rise before Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are severely compromised in their ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), of which Caribbean islands are members, and the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) joined to form a coalition of about 80 countries demanding that global efforts be concentrated on keeping temperature increases under 1.5°C to lessen the devastating impacts on these highly vulnerable countries,” the statement said

It adds that these impacts include sea level rise with accompanying coastal erosion and destruction of coastal infrastructure, damage or death to coral reefs and fisheries, saline intrusion into aquifers thus diminishing freshwater supplies, and more intense hurricanes and storm surges.

“The continued social and economic survival and environmental integrity of these countries, particularly low-lying islands such as the Bahamas, which face the possibility of complete inundation, is questioned as their risk and exposure increase. The AOSIS Declaration on Climate Change, agreed at their High-level Summit on Climate Change in September this year, in addition to the 1.5°C limit, also calls for peaking of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2015 with subsequent decline, and long term stabilisation of atmospheric concentrations below 350ppm (parts per million) of carbon dioxide.” The release adds

The song brings to fore the fears and concerns of people living on small islands, some of which are already being experienced in the region and is threatening the homes and livelihoods of Caribbean populations.

As leaders of developed and larger developing nations are currently proposing to commence climate change negotiations around 2°C, others are adamant that this cannot be the level of minimum acceptable risk since it ignores the human rights of millions at the outset.” The statement added

“1.5 To Stay Alive” is written in the “rapso” tradition, which combines poetry performed to calypso and other rhythms from the Caribbean.

The song also features the dynamic vocals of Barbadian singer, Indrani, with support from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and in conjunction with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), UNDP is assisting CARICOM leaders in their preparations for Copenhagen as they solidify their unified position to be presented at COP XV. This song demonstrates part of these regional efforts to promote more ambitious, fair and effective global action on climate change. (C’bean Net News)