USAID Approaches to Climate Change

The symposium focused on renewing and strengthening regional partnerships by encouraging dialogue about climate change and sharing information and opportunities. High-level speakers from USAID/ESC and its partners discussed the ecological and human dimensions of climate change, contextualized the Eastern and Southern Caribbean region's response, and sought solutions to address impacts. USAID staff highlighted best practices and approaches for responding to climate change in the Caribbean and around the world. The session included representatives from the Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation; the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security; and the Caribbean Energy Initiative. The speakers identified potential areas and opportunities for USAID to continue strengthening regional climate resilience. The session objectives were to highlight existing best practices and approaches supported by USAID and identify potential areas and opportunities for further focus in the region in the context of the Agency's renewed focus on climate change and COP26. The symposium featured a range of topics, including scaling up financing for clean energy, sustainable landscapes, and climate adaptation. Dr. Eric Hyman, Environmental Economist, DDI/Center for Economics and Market Development, discussed food security and climate change at USAID. Ann Vaughan, Senior Advisor for Climate Change, Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, presented on natural climate solutions at USAID. Dr. Noel Gurwick, Senior Climate and Land Advisor, DDI/Center for Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure, spoke on energy and climate change at USAID. Jamila Amodeo, Senior Energy Advisor, DDI/Center for Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure, discussed energy and climate change at USAID. The symposium also featured a musical performance by Jabari Browne, a musician from Barbados. Clinton White, Regional Representative for the USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission, provided closing remarks. The session was moderated by USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission staff. The USAID approaches to climate change include scaling up financing for clean energy, sustainable landscapes, and climate adaptation. The Agency is working to strengthen regional climate resilience and identify potential areas and opportunities for further focus in the region. The symposium highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and the need for continued collaboration and dialogue among regional partners.