COP 30 and Climate Challenges for the CaribbeanCEFR B1
11 Nov 2025
Adapted from Janine Mendes-Franco, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by George Fennelly, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
The COP 30 climate conference will be held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21. The Caribbean, particularly small island developing states (SIDS), is focusing on climate justice and the Loss and Damage agenda due to severe climate impacts they face. As they prepare for these discussions, many voices in the Caribbean, including from Jamaica, are calling for accountability from major greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters.
Jamaica, for instance, has taken out a catastrophe bond, which is part of their disaster risk financing strategy, to manage the damages from climate events. Damage estimates from storms can reach billions, significantly impacting tourism and infrastructure. Climate leaders like the U.S., China, and India are not attending COP 30, raising concerns among Caribbean nations.
Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie from the Jamaica Environment Trust stresses the urgency for adaptation financing and insists that accountability from large GHG emitters is crucial. She argues that these emitters should contribute to rebuilding efforts instead of worsening the vulnerabilities of island nations.
Difficult words
- climate — The usual weather conditions in a place.climate impacts, climate events, climate justice
- damage — Harm or injury to something.damages
- accountability — Being responsible for decisions and actions.
- conference — A large meeting for discussion on a topic.
- impact — The effect or influence of something.impacting, impacts
- financing — Providing funds for a project or idea.
- vulnerabilities — Weaknesses that can lead to harm.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think can be done to help small island developing states?
- How does climate change affect different countries differently?
- Why do you think major greenhouse gas emitters often do not attend climate conferences?
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