Gail Alexander
Senior Political Reporter
The National Climate Change Policy has been submitted to the Cabinet for approval, the Cabinet is actively considering strengthening the Environmental Management Act for mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reporting and there are rules managing the development of large brand hotels.
Speaking in the Senate yesterday, Planning Minister Pennelope Beckles-Robinson outlined several steps by the Government regarding climate change. She was replying to a motion by Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, who cited the need to update environmental laws and processes and reconsider the presumed benefits of large brand hotels to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the context of the global climate change crisis.
Noting the Prime Minister’s support for the Rocky Point hotel project, Vieira said whether large brand hotels would benefit T&T was a question that required careful examination, as there was a shift to more sustainable options.
Vieira noted earnings from such hotels returned to international owners rather than staying within the local community and that building hotels in environmentally sensitive areas could endanger the environment, especially at places like Rocky Point “which is so special and historic.”
Vieira said, “It’s time to panic—we’re in deep trouble—protecting the environment is the most important thing our leaders can do for our people. Government must recognise we’re embedded in nature and depend on it for survival,” he said.
Beckles said many Caribbean states were SIDS sharing vulnerabilities to climate change, including warming ocean temperatures and sea-level rise. She said, however, “Despite these challenges, SIDS must utilise natural resources to support economic development, often relying on tourism. Large brand hotels, by virtue of their characteristics, can therefore offer economic, environmental, and social benefits.”
Beckles said coastal area projects sought advice from relevant agencies to mitigate sea level rise impacts. She detailed environmental law governing large-brand hotels, noting they were subject to the independent EMA review.
“Applications are assessed to mitigate environmental impacts, including climate change considerations. If significant impacts are identified, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required. Thus, there are robust environmental laws ensuring large-branded hotels meet sustainable development standards,” she said.
“The principle of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) was introduced. While progress has been made, reporting remains voluntary. Draft rules for mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reporting are under Cabinet consideration.”