Cabinet has approved the historic Climate Change Policy 2024-2050 (CCP). This is the first time, a national Climate Change Policy (CCP) has been approved for the Cayman Islands.

The CCP, presented by the Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, outlines a 26-year plan for adaptation and mitigation that aims to bring to life the Policy’s vision of a climate-resilient Cayman Islands that promotes and sustains vibrant communities, a thriving natural environment and a robust economy.  

The full policy can be downloaded from here: Cabinet approves Climate Change Policy 2024-2050 — Cayman Islands Government

STATEMENT BY HONOURABLE KATHERINE EBANKS-WILKS MINISTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY RE: CAYMAN ISLANDS CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY 2024-2050

Introduction
Mister Speaker, I am pleased to present to the Members of this
Honourable House, the approved Cayman Islands Climate Change Policy 2024-
2050, which outlines a 26-year plan for our beloved Cayman Islands for
adaptation and mitigation in order to achieve the Policy’s vision of a climate-
resilient Cayman Islands that promotes and sustains vibrant communities, a
robust economy, and a thriving natural environment.

Mister Speaker, this is a historic milestone for our country and it comes
at a time when the impacts of climate change are dominating both local and
international headlines. As a nation we have recently experienced Hurricane
Beryl, and witnessed the utter devastation wrought upon parts of the United
States by Hurricane Helene. Even now, residents of Florida are bracing for
Hurricane Milton which has intensified rapidly into the most powerful storm of
the year worldwide.

And as we pray for the safety of our friends and family members in
Florida, our own islands continue to experience flooding and coastal erosion
which pose serious risks to our people and their homes and businesses.

We know that increasingly warmer ocean waters contribute to the
strength and intensity of hurricanes in our region. While we cannot prevent
these severe weather events, this policy enables us to take proactive steps to
safeguard and support our people, our economy and our environment.

This is why I am so proud to see this historic Policy approved by Cabinet
and to be able to table this document in this Honourable House today.

Mister Speaker, this is the first time that a Climate Change Policy has
been approved for the Cayman Islands. This Policy, which has been worked on
for two years by the Policy Team in the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate
Resiliency and the Technical Working Group, is the result of multi-stakeholder
engagement carried out over that period, as well as building on the draft Policy
from 2011. The policy is also bolstered by fresh insights and circumstances that
were identified in the Cayman Islands Climate Change Risk Assessment 2022,
taking into further consideration the needs of the most vulnerable in our
society such as children, the elderly, disabled, and the economically
disadvantaged, and also implications for the Financial Services Sector.

The core goals of the Policy are to increase resilience to climate change,
to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and to ensure climate
actions are fair and take future generations into account.

The approval of this Policy is testament to the incredible dedication of
the Cayman Islands Government, my Ministry of Sustainability & Climate
Resiliency, and to our community who showed up to public meetings and gave
their feedback on the draft Policy when it went through a full 60 days of public
consultation in 2023.

This Policy is a strategic pathway for a more climate-resilient future for
the benefit of us all, and the key to its success is in the collaboration of
everyone.

The Policy sets out clear timeframes and strategic actions which will
move the country towards the Policy’s goals, and outlines twenty-three (23)
“quick-wins” that have been identified as short-term actions – deliverable
between 2024 and 2030 – that will build momentum toward the Policy’s
vision. The quick wins include identifying climate-related financial
opportunities and vulnerabilities, progressing the Coastal Setback Reference
Line reassessment, and implementing a National Sargassum Management
Strategy, to name a few.

To ensure relevancy and flexibility, the Policy will be reviewed every
two years. This process allows the Ministry to integrate updated scientific
findings, climate data, and technological innovations into the ongoing
implementation of the policy.

Mister Speaker, the Policy is largely guided by the Climate Change Risk
Assessment which was conducted in 2022. Funded through the Governor’s
Office by the United Kingdom’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, and
following extensive desktop research, technical stakeholder consultation and
public engagement, the resulting Cayman Islands Climate Change Evidence
Report (2022) is now the most comprehensive reference document to date on
the potential implications of climate change on the Cayman Island’s
environment, society and economy. The use of the Climate Change Risk
Assessment as a guiding document ensures that the policy is grounded in the
most current climate science available that is specific to our islands and our
region.

Mister Speaker, the Policy focuses on improving the health, safety, and
overall wellbeing of our communities by ensuring resilient infrastructure,
safeguarding livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable groups, and protecting
natural ecosystems. Strategies for achieving these aims are outlined through
six, key focus areas of the Policy:

The first is Robust economy which speaks to the need for economic
diversification and sustainable livelihoods.
The second is Liveable built environment which highlights strategies for
climate-resilient infrastructure and planning.
The third is Healthy and resilient communities which focuses on better
health and safety outcomes.
The fourth is Resilient infrastructure networks which speaks to the need
to enhancing critical infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
The fifth is Harmony with nature which outlines the need to protecting
natural ecosystems to support a healthy economy and community.
And the sixth and final focus area is Integration and coordination which
sets out strategies for streamlining government processes for urgent climate
action.

The success of this Policy, Mister Speaker, is contingent on collaboration,
across the Government and across all sectors of our economy. Although my
Ministry has ‘climate resiliency’ in its name, the reality is that every Ministry,
Department, company, organisation and individual in our country has a role to
play in creating a more climate-resilient future for our beloved islands. Climate
change is a complex issue that requires coordinated effort across many sectors.

To support this, the Policy places an emphasis on cross-sectoral
cooperation, engaging both government ministries and external stakeholders.
This collaborative approach aims to embed climate resiliency into the national
agenda.

Although climate change is often thought of in terms of its environmental
impacts, the impacts of climate change on human lives and livelihoods is
increasingly in the spotlight. An example of this was the impact that each of us
experienced with the recent flooding events that affected our homes, schools,
and businesses.

Climate Change affects our lives, Mister Speaker, not just our environment.

That is why the Climate Change Policy sets our strategies to support
economic diversification, aiming to create sustainable livelihoods and make
our economy more resilient to climate shocks. By acting now, we are protecting
both the financial services sector and the broader economy from climate-
related risks. Specific areas such as resilient infrastructure and safeguarding
the natural environment are key to protecting tourism and other critical
sectors. By reducing climate risks, the policy aims to ensure the long-term
sustainability of these industries.

Mister Speaker, as the Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs, it was
also extremely important to me and my Ministry team that the Policy address
issues of equity and inclusivity. The Policy explicitly mentions the importance
of addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly,
disabled individuals, and low-income households. Climate change risk factors
disproportionately impact these groups of people and it is important that our
strategies and actions take this into account.

Now that the Policy has been approved by Cabinet and tabled in this
Honourable House, the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency can
continue the process of developing a comprehensive implementation plan.
This will involve consultations with both internal and external stakeholders to
ensure a coordinated approach. The focus will be on identifying the resources,
partnerships, and strategies needed to achieve the policy’s long-term goals of
climate resiliency, low-carbon transition, and fair governance.

One of the most urgent actions is the formation of the Climate Change
Council. The Council will be responsible for the timely and coordinated
implementation and review of the Policy, and its functions and composition
shall be set in legislation. One of the core functions of the Council will be to
promote a cohesive national response to urgent climate action set out in the
Policy, and have oversight of policy implementation and periodic review.

Mister Speaker, in addition to the formation of the Council, the Policy
addresses the urgent need to secure funding and resources for the work of
implementing the Policy. While the Policy outlines that these costs will be,
where possible, absorbed within the operational budgets of Government
ministries and portfolios, the Policy also aims to establish a Climate Resiliency
Fund, through legislation, to fund the timely implementation of this and future
updates of the Policy.

Earlier this year, the Premier of the Cayman Islands the Honourable Juliana
O’Connor Connolly, JP, MP, wrote to the His Majesty’s Government, in her
capacity as President of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association,
to advocate for increased access by the Overseas Territories to international
climate finance mechanisms and request a focused dialogue with the
Territories to address these issues through the establishment of a dedicated,
transparent United Kingdom Climate Fund for the Overseas Territories. The
approval of this Policy, and the creation of a local Climate Resiliency Fund, will
enable the Cayman Islands to be well-placed to take advantage of any
opportunities that should arise from these discussions with the United
Kingdom Government.

Mister Speaker, the Climate Change Policy also provides a governance
framework for climate action which includes cooperation and coordination
across ministries and departments, the private and public sectors and civil
society, and I look forward to seeing this Policy make a real and positive change
in the future outlook for all three of our beloved Cayman Islands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mister Speaker, I cannot overstate the importance of the
Cayman Islands Climate Change Policy or the significance of this moment.

The Cayman Islands and the wider Caribbean region have experienced more
intense rainfall events and tropical storms, putting communities and critical
infrastructure at greater risk of flooding and damage. Warmer sea
temperatures and longer periods of drought jeopardise the health and viability
of valuable, limited natural resources, upon which our tourism, our food
security, our livelihoods, and our quality of life depend.

Despite this, there are many opportunities to adapt to these changing
conditions, building our resiliency, and thriving in spite of inevitable
disruptions. The strategic measures outlined in this Policy aim to lower the risks
that climate change poses to key sectors and vulnerable groups by reducing
vulnerabilities, adapting, and embracing sustainable, low-carbon economic
activities.

Together, we can and will realise our vision of a climate-resilient Cayman
Islands that promotes and sustains vibrant communities, a robust economy,
and a thriving natural environment, where people can live their best lives now
and for future generations.

Mister Speaker, before I close, I want thank my Government colleagues for
their support of this Policy, to my Ministry team for their hard work and
dedication, to the many other Civil Servants who contributed to the
development of this Policy, and to the many, many individuals who helped
shape this Policy through their participation in town hall meetings and industry
focus groups, and by providing written feedback on the Policy. Today’s historic
tabling of the country’s first, national Climate Change Policy would not be
possible without your efforts and support.

In closing, I want to encourage the community to visit the Ministry’s website
at www.gov.ky/Sustainability to learn more about the Policy and download the
full document.

Thank you, Mister Speaker.

Cabinet approves historic Climate Change Policy 2024-2050setting the Cayman Islands on a 26-year strategic road to climate-resiliency

• The new, national policy outlines strategic actions to lessen climate change
  impacts on key sectors and vulnerable groups
• Policy provides the Cayman Islands with a 26-year route to climate resiliency
  through fair and accountable governance
• Policy highlights six focus areas that support community, economy and
  environment
  
  
  Grand Cayman, 9 October 2024: For the first time, a national Climate Change Policy (CCP) hasbeen approved for the Cayman Islands. The CCP, presented by the Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday5 September.

The Policy outlines a 26-year plan for adaptation and mitigation that aims to bring to life the policy’s vision of a climate-resilient Cayman Islands that promotes and sustains vibrant communities, a thriving natural environment and a robust economy.

The Policy has three core goals for the country and the government:

1. Become more resilient to climate change
2. Achieve a low-carbon economy
3. Govern climate action fairly and transparently with future generations in mind.
   
   These goals are underpinned by six focus areas that are essential pillars to the success of the policy.:

1. Robust economy: Diversifying economic sectors and providing access to financial andtechnical resources to foster sustainable livelihoods.

2. Liveable built environment: Planning holistically and building climate-resilient structuresand sites to safeguard citizens, businesses and cultural heritage.

3. Healthy and resilient communities: Improving the health and safety outcomes of communities.

4. Resilient infrastructure networks: Enhancing the capacity and functionality of critical infrastructure and its networks to withstand extreme weather events.

5. Harmony with nature: Safeguarding the integrity of nature and its ecosystem services to support a robust economy and healthy communities.

6. Integration and coordination: Developing government processes and capacity to takeurgent climate action.

The Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency,
said: “I am delighted to see this historic Policy approved by Cabinet. This is the first time that a
Climate Change Policy has been approved for the Cayman Islands, and is the result of two years
of work and multi-stakeholder engagement carried out by the MSCR Policy Team and the
Technical Working Group. The Policy is bolstered by fresh insights and circumstances that were
identified in the Cayman Islands Climate Change Risk Assessment 2022, taking into further
consideration the needs of the most vulnerable in our society such as children, the elderly,
disabled, and the economically disadvantaged, and also implications for the Financial Services
Sector.
“As a nation we have recently experienced Hurricane Beryl, and witnessed the utter devastation
she wrought upon parts of the US. We’ve seen flooding and coastal erosion continue to pose
serious risks to homes and businesses in the Cayman Islands, and we know that increasingly
warmer ocean waters contribute to the strength and intensity of hurricanes in our region. While
we cannot prevent these severe weather events, this policy enables us to take proactive steps to
safeguard and support our people, environment and economy.
“The approval of this Policy is testament to the incredible dedication of the Ministry and its policy
advisors. It is also important to note, however, that this policy is a strategic pathway for a more
climate-resilient future for the benefit of us all, and the key to success is in collaboration.
“The Climate Change Policy provides a governance framework for climate action which includes
cooperation and coordination across ministries and departments, the private and public sectors
and civil society, and I look forward to seeing this policy make a real and positive change in the
future outlook for all three Cayman Islands.”
The CCP, builds on previous climate-resiliency policies, notably the draft Cayman Islands’ Climate
Change Policy 2011.

Cabinet’s approval of the CCP 2024-2050 enables the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate
Resiliency to start developing an implementation plan which will involve consultation with internal
and external stakeholders.

The CCP sets out clear timeframes and strategic actions which will move the country towards the
Policy’s goals, and states 23 “quick-wins” that have been identified as short-term actions
(deliverable between 2024 and 2030) that will build momentum toward the Policy’s vision. The
quick wins include identifying climate-related financial opportunities and vulnerabilities,
completing the Coastal Setback Reference Line reassessment and implementing a National
Sargassum Management Strategy, to name a few. The Policy will be reviewed every two years.

The Policy is largely guided by the Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) which was
conducted in 2022. Funded through the Governor’s Office by the United Kingdom’s Conflict,
Stability and Security Fund, and following extensive desktop research, technical stakeholder
consultation and public engagement, the resulting Cayman Islands Climate Change Evidence
Report (2022) is now the most comprehensive reference document to date on the potential
implications of climate change on the Cayman Island’s environment, society and economy.

Lisa Hurlston-McKenzie, Senior Policy Advisor – Climate Resiliency, Ministry of
Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, said: “The Climate Change Policy 2024-2050 is a mission-
driven and evidence-based policy that provides a clear strategic pathway to address the most
pressing risks posed by current and continued climate change factors. The Policy’s strategies
have been crafted to reduce the impacts of extreme weather events on households and
communities in the short and longer term. Work on an implementation plan with government and
non-government partners to bring about these, and other benefits, will begin immediately.’’

Acting Chief Officer, Troy Jacob, Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, said: “I
would like to thank the Minister for her guidance and determination, the team within the Ministry,
and our colleagues from other ministries, departments and government agencies for consulting
on this updated Policy. Indeed, it is a notable achievement for this Ministry, being new and small,
to have delivered two approved national policies within this administration – the Updated National
Energy Policy which was approved earlier this year, and now the CCP. The Ministry looks forward
to working closely with government, private sector and non-governmental partners, for the
implementation of both national policies.”

For more information and to view the policy and the Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA)
in full, please visit: https://www.gov.ky/sustainability/climatechangepolicy

For more information and to view the policy and the Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA)
in full, please visit: https://www.gov.ky/sustainability/climatechangepolicy