Trinidad and Tobago's National Statement at COP30, Brazil

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

As a small island developing state, Trinidad and Tobago stands on the frontline of the climate crisis. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting rainfall patterns continue to threaten our people, our ecosystems, and our national development. For Trinidad and Tobago, the climate challenge is not an abstract, but it is a daily reality that demands our urgent and sustained global action; one for which the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains steadfast in adopting a strategic and coordinated approach to confront and manage its impacts.

Trinidad and Tobago remains firmly committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with our Nationally Determined Contributions. As part of our efforts, we are advancing initiatives to promote the use of electric vehicles within the public sector, expanding the uptake of solar water heaters for household use, and encouraging the transition towards cleaner energy sources such as green hydrogen. We are also exploring opportunities to participate in emerging carbon markets as a means of mobilising investment in low carbon development while supporting national decarbonisation efforts.

Our transition towards a low carbon and climate resilient future must also be fair and just and one that is equitable, inclusive, and leaves no one behind. Trinidad and Tobago is taking concrete steps to protect workers and vulnerable communities, foster new sustainable economic opportunities, and align national development with environmental stewardship. Delivering this transformation requires stronger international cooperation, grounded in trust, equity, and shared responsibility and Trinidad and Tobago will look towards opportunities in this area.

At the same time, adaptation remains essential to protect our people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. We continue to strengthen resilience through the implementation of our National Adaptation Plan, integrating climate considerations into every facet of national planning.

However, Trinidad and Tobago recognises that ambition alone is not enough and implementation must now take centre stage as echoed by many Parties here at COP30. We must now move beyond negotiations and decisions to real, on the ground implementation that delivers measurable results, build resilient communities, restores ecosystems, and strengthens livelihoods.

To make this possible, climate finance remains fundamental. It is our hope that developed countries continue to honour their commitments as matter of equity and global responsibility. Predictable, accessible, and adequate finance is critical to bridge the gap between ambition and implementation and remains the key tool in the fight against climate change.

In concluding, I would like to reaffirm Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and to working collectively towards an inclusive and action-oriented outcome at COP30; one that transforms promises into progress and ensures a safer, more resilient planet for all.

Thank you.