The Caribbean is ready and willing to lead the global shipping conversation at the ocean-climate nexus, and the world should both listen intently and actively support them.
JD Carlton, SSI’s Ocean Health Lead, shared this takeaway from the Caribbean Shipping Lanes (CSL) webinar he participated in: “Navigating the Ocean: The Nexus between Climate and Shipping in the Caribbean.”
With an outstanding group of panellists, the webinar explored the unique challenges and opportunities maritime decarbonisation presents for the Caribbean region, and its intersections with the marine environment and coastal communities.
Shipping is critical for the Caribbean, as Island communities depend on reliable, cost-effective transport of goods from across the region and the world.
All panellists agreed that the best path forward for the Caribbean is a united one. A Caribbean that can rally behind and champion shared priorities will be more successful than individual islands working toward their own.
This message of cooperation extends to the industry as well. By actively including all ocean sectors, including shipping, the region can make more effective plans to steward and protect its natural resources and heritage. Caribbean communities, industries, and governments know there are opportunities today to reduce shipping’s carbon footprint while protecting ocean habitats and wildlife.
