Yesterday, August 22nd 2016, The Government of The Bahamas officially ratified the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Bahamas is particularly vulnerable to climate change as an archipelago with rich marine life and a fragile ecosystem. The Ministry of Environment and Housing is committed to fighting climate change and is proud to be working together with the international community on this global issue.
The agreement was first adopted at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21), held in Paris, France in December 2015. The agreement sets forth a global action plan to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future. One hundred and eighty countries worldwide have signed the agreement. Ahead of the meeting in Paris, France, The Bahamas produced its 2nd National Communication on climate change.
‘The ratification of the Paris Agreement is a historic step forward in the fight against climate change’ said The Hon Minister Kenred Dorsett, Minister of The Environment and Housing. ‘My Ministry is proud to be at the forefront of the fight, making decisions that will positively impact Bahamians’ lives for generation to come.’
Twenty-three states and regional economic integration organizations have ratified or approved the agreement. The agreement will come into force after at least 55 parties have ratified the agreement, accounting in total for at least an estimated 55% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government and this Ministry is focused not only on sustainability and fighting climate change, but also preserving The Bahamas’ entire environment for a stronger Bahamas.
For more information on the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s plans for climate change and sustainability and for a copy of the 2nd National Communication on climate change, please contact the Ministry at (242)322-6005.
By Ministry of The Environment and Housing
