As the world gathers for COP30 in Brazil, Dr. Anjani Ganase highlights the escalating climate crisis, with global temperatures nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Trinidad and Tobago, as a small island nation, must play its part in mitigating these impacts. Currently, the planet has already warmed by 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, with severe consequences for marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, which support over 25% of marine biodiversity, are particularly vulnerable, with a tipping point reached at 1.2°C. This has led to widespread coral bleaching, threatening fish stocks, food security, and coastal protection. The Global Tipping Points Report 2025, released by the University of Exeter and the Stockholm Resilience Centre, warns that without urgent action to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, coral reefs may transition to algae-dominated systems, with only a few hope spots remaining. Polar ice sheets are also at risk, with the Western Antarctic Peninsula expected to experience significant ice loss, impacting polar marine life and accelerating sea level rise. These cumulative effects increase the vulnerability of small island nations, particularly in the Pacific, which face the risk of becoming uninhabitable. The report also highlights the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which could lead to severe droughts in the Amazon and Caribbean, and harsher winters in Europe. For Trinidad and Tobago, the combined impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and coastal areas will be costly. Despite international funding, there has been little progress in marine management over the past 40 years. The country’s new climate change policy aims to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience, but effective implementation of legislation and marine protections is urgently needed. The report also identifies positive tipping points, with some countries shifting away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy. At COP30, Trinidad and Tobago must advocate for adherence to the Paris Agreement and take concrete actions domestically to address the climate crisis.