Antigua and Barbuda’s Climate Change Ambassador, Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, has expressed deep disappointment with the outcomes of COP30, stating that the final agreement lacks the necessary ambition to safeguard the world’s most vulnerable nations. Speaking to BBC News from Belém, Brazil, Camacho-Thomas highlighted the limited progress made at the summit, particularly in areas of mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance. She criticized the exclusion of fossil fuels from the final text and the minimal attention given to deforestation, describing these omissions as significant setbacks. Despite these shortcomings, she acknowledged that negotiators managed to prevent any regression from previous agreements, maintaining a fragile equilibrium. Camacho-Thomas pointed to the inclusion of language on tripling adaptation finance as a hard-won achievement, though she emphasized that this pledge remains insufficient. She stressed the urgent need for implementation of both current and past COP agreements, warning that small island states cannot afford to wait for future summits to address their pressing climate challenges. The ambassador expressed cautious optimism that Brazil, which holds the COP presidency until next year, will push for greater ambition in the coming months. However, she underscored the necessity for immediate action, particularly in discussions on fossil fuels and adaptation. Despite her frustrations with the slow pace of negotiations, Camacho-Thomas defended the COP process as a critical platform for developing countries and small island states to voice their concerns and secure binding decisions. With Antigua and Barbuda facing escalating climate impacts, including intensifying storms and rising sea levels, she called for urgent international assistance to bolster resilience and mitigate future losses.
Antigua and Barbuda Climate Ambassador Says COP30 Deal Lacks Ambition but Offers “Platform to Build On”
