Small Island Developing States have repeatedly called for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to reclassify developing countries, so that they can access much-needed funds to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

At the UN Climate Action Summit, CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Allen Chastanet, said that time has run out for the islands, and requests continue to go unanswered. Mr. Chastanet cited as an example, the impact of Hurricane Dorian on the Bahamas on Sep. 1, that resulted in life-threatening floods, storm surges, the displacement of thousands, and many deaths.

The CARICOM Chair said small island states are not only faced with the costs of climate mitigation and adaptation measures, but additional costs that include insurance and refugees. He implored the major agencies involved to work toward finding solutions.

The Climate Action Summit took place on Sep. 23 at the United Nations 74th General Assembly, in New York.