Announced late last week by what can only be called a cavalcade of stars and parade of nations, the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator was launched with pomp and ceremony and attended by the Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, President of the InterAmerican Development Bank Luis Alberto Moreno, Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jorge Familiar, and 8-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner Usain Bolt.
The Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator bills itself as bringing together “an unprecedented group of leaders to implement transformative climate action” throughout the Caribbean, stemming from a high-level commitment made at French President Macron’s One Planet Summit (which we covered at the time). The Accelerator intends to work to make the Caribbean the world’s first climate-smart zone which will include the implementation of solutions for resilience, renewable energy, development of sustainable cities, oceans, and transportation. Beyond simply protecting the Caribbean region, the climate-smart zone will aim to create jobs and a new economy.
“Being climate-smart means putting the people of the Caribbean at the center of all we do – to protect them from the challenges of climate change,” explained Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness. “The Caribbean Accelerator will also encourage job creation, social inclusion, and economic growth. These benefits will only come when Governments, the international community, and the private sector work together to overcome barriers and generate the investment that will benefit us all. That is why I am excited by the potential of the Accelerator to join the Caribbean with global partners who share our vision to see investment grow in the years ahead.”
One of the initial projects to be launched was the InterAmerican Development Bank’s (IDB) $1 billion commitment to climate-smart investments, fulfilling its $1 billion commitment it made at the Paris One Planet summit. This funding will build on an additional $200 million to support innovative solutions which will focus on low-carbon emissions, sustainable infrastructure, and energy efficiency projects. The IDB also announced that it would commit a further $3 million in start-up funding to the Accelerator to help get the initiative underway.
“The IDB Group reaffirms its continued and historical commitment to the Caribbean and will work with leaders of the region to improve lives by creating climate-smart and vibrant economies, where people are safe, productive, and happy,” said Luis Alberto Moreno, the President of the Inter-American Development Bank. “We hope that through this Climate Smart Coalition, in addition to offering new affordable financing, we will use the IDB’s extensive regional experience and presence on the ground to work closely with the people of the region to design their Caribbean of the future, today.”
The World Bank Group announced a three-year commitment of $1 million annually in in-kind services for the Accelerator, on top of its existing support for the region which adds up to almost $2 billion in projects aimed at strengthening resilience and financial protection against disasters.
Read more at Caribbean Nations Partner with Global Superstars & Corporate Giants for $1 Billion Climate Accelerator
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