Caricom SG backs Caribbean climate change centre efforts as region tackles climate change

Secretary-General (SG) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Carla Barnett has commended the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) for its pivotal role in strengthening the region’s resilience to climate-related shocks. She emphasised the Centre’s critical efforts in helping Caribbean nations confront the escalating threats posed by climate change.
The CCCCC celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 25, 2025, with a banquet and award ceremony. In a message to mark the occasion, Dr Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General noted that since its establishment the CCCCC has played an essential role in coordinating and driving the CARICOM’s response to climate change and in building climate resilience in the face of rising sea levels, intensified storms and economic vulnerability.
“The five Cs has been a leader in capacity building, conducting regional training programmes and workshops for Government officials, technical staff and civil society organisations. These initiatives strengthen institutional capacity, improve public awareness and build a community of practice around climate resilience.”
She further noted that the organisation has played a crucial role in regional climate financing, serving as a key conduit through which Member States can access much-needed funding to address climate-related challenges head-on. By facilitating access to international climate finance mechanisms, the Centre has empowered countries to implement adaptation and mitigation projects critical to their survival and development.
“The Five Cs has also played a critical role in mobilising climate finance for the region through its accreditation to various international climate funding mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund.”
“The centre supports curriculum countries as they prepare project proposals to meet eligibility criteria and access resources for mitigation and adaptation projects. This has helped to unlock millions of dollars in funding for renewable energy, water security, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction initiatives, thereby contributing in a direct way to the region’s capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change by acting as an intermediary,” she added. The Centre is at the forefront of the Caribbean’s climate resilience movement, working with Governments, communities, international and regional partners to advance sustainable development and strengthen the Region’s capacity to adapt to the ever-evolving impacts of climate change.
The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, working on effective solutions and projects to combat its environmental impacts and global warming. It provides climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to CARICOM Member States through the CARICOM Secretariat and to the United Kingdom (UK) Caribbean Overseas Territories. It is an archive and clearing house for regional climate change data and documentation.