Islands on Alert

The Conference of the Parties is the Superbowl for Climate Action and this is shaping up to be the most important one since Paris.SIDS are officially in #ImplementationMode: what does this mean exactly and what are the AOSIS priorities going into Glasgow. Aubrey Webson, Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, Chair of AOSIS Diann Black-Layne, Antigua and Barbuda Director, Department of the Environment of Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador for Climate Change, Lead Climate Negotiator for AOSIS

Activism is an important first step to engage with our politicians and governments. We are small islands, separated by oceans, but when our voices are united, we can demand real change.On this episode, we will hear from a representative from an international education and advocacy organization as well as a powerful youth activist. Tune in to hear their perspectives on tackling the issue of climate change from two different angles: locally and globally. Guests: Okalani Mariner, Samoa, Pacific Climate Warriors Michael Sheldrick, Global Director of Policy and Advocacy at Global Citizen

SIDS are more than just merely ‘small islands' we are ‘large ocean States'. Healthy oceans are critical for our livelihoods and culture and a sustainable blue economy is key to our future.This episode will give a brief overview on what is meant by the blue economy and the main challenges (plastics, overfishing etc) and its linkages with the climate crisis Angelique 1, Seychelles, CEO for SeyCCAT Mitchell Lay, Antigua and Barbuda, Fisherman

SIDS have historically contributed the least to this problem but are on the frontlines of its worst impacts. Emissions have no borders. Who will pay for impacts beyond our adaptive capacity? Can large emitter countries or companies be held legally liable? What does restorative justice actually look like and how do we pursue it? Over 10 years ago, it was agreed that developed economies would mobilize $100 billion per year in climate finance, by 2020, for both adaptation and mitigation. This commitment is yet to be met.

Even if we do achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, island life will never be the same again. What are the ways the SIDS will have to adapt and build resilience for this future and who is leading the way?This episode will discuss the critical SIDS sectors that most require adaptation interventions and how it may be financed. It will further discuss not only the new technologies that we must incorporate, but also the bringing back of indigenous, more sustainable practices, and how they might be valuable for a modern world. Dr. Leo Brewster, Barbados, Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit Celine Dyer, Cook Islands, Climate Change Coordinator Dominique David Chavez, Professor of Indigenous Natural Resources, Colorado State University

Green technology aims to reduce human effects on our environment. This episode seeks to explore green technology outside of the typical solar panel systems. It will further discuss how SIDS are integrating green technology and its benefits to their economies and overall livelihoods; including critically the creation of new jobs and how this green transition can be managed in a just way. We will hear from an Antiguan green tech entrepreneur as well as an energy analyst working to promote renewable energy on an international scale. Guests: Arieta Rakai, Fiji, Program Officer for SIDS Lighthouses at IRENA. Stanley Barreto, Antigua and Barbuda, Project Developer and Director of MegaPower

You may have heard about the Paris Agreement, but did you know that for the last 30 years, SIDS have been on the forefront of Climate Action and global leaders in bringing attention to this cause? Meet the AOSIS Climate Negotiators! SIDS climate negotiators of different generations tell the story of AOSIS through vignettes and recollections. An inside view into the negotiating process at the UNFCCC; the bacchanal and chaos that is a COP; the alliances forged and behind the scenes compromises; the tears, trials and triumphs.

The world needs to limit global warming to 1.5C in order to avoid the worst effects of Climate Change. What exactly is at stake for Small Island Developing States if we are not able meet this goal? This first episode breaks down the science of 1.5, the impacts for SIDS, where we stand currently, and what needs to be done to avoid crossing the threshold.

Get ready for Islands on Alert! First episode premiering on Monday, September 6th.