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WITH the COP 21 Paris talks on climate change set to begin next Monday, Saint Lucian artistes are not sparing any effort in proclaiming what they believe the outcome there would be.
Over a dozen artistes participated in a concert at the Vide Bouteille Cultural Club (VBCC) in La Clery last Saturday evening to raise awareness about the implications of climate change on human survival. The presentations came via songs, poems and drama and challenged the audience members to do their part in making the planet a safer, cleaner place to live.
As part of the “1.5 To Stay Alive” campaign, a series of activities are being held in Saint Lucia to bring the message home to the citizenry. Last Saturday’s free concert was not unlike one held at Samaans Park the previous week.
The concerts were spearheaded by poet/social activist, KendelHippolyte, one of the high-profile artistes in the region appointed to ensure that the clear and serious message about climate change gets out long before the COP 21 talks begin in Paris.
Performing on the night were NaomieGranderson, Eloise Ayamba, Garner Raymond, RasIzley, Travis Weekes, Nas, Black Crayon, Stephen Dantes, KendelHippolyte, Natalie LaPorte, Richard Ambrose, Steel Rock featuring Lambert “Skai” Soomer-James, and GeMoEudoxie.
Meanwhile, an art expo will be hosted at the Artscafé Rooftop in Castries from this Friday throughout the weekend. Interested artistes willing to submit their pieces for the expo or to perform on Sunday, contact Xylaw at 723 6466 or [email protected].
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which ends on December 11, all the countries in the world will be trying to achieve a legally-binding and universal agreement on climate issues. In fact, Saint Lucia is already doing its part, led by Minister for Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Dr. James Fletcher.
Last Wednesday, Dr. Fletcher made some key submissions ahead of the major Paris conference when he presented Saint Lucia’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Commission of Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Among Saint Lucia’s aims at reducing the world’s carbon footprint are reducing emissions by 2015 with projections for 2030 taking into account its domestic circumstances and capabilities. Saint Lucia intends to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 16% of projected levels in 2025 and by 23% of projected levels in 2030.
