Climate Change presents an urgent threat to our survival because it directly and indirectly threatens the natural ecosystems upon which human survival is dependent as well as the built environment with irreversible damage. Climate change impacts are already being felt in Trinidad and Tobago which present a complex development challenge that requires a flexible national approach. Small Island Developing States (such as Trinidad and
Tobago, are among the most vulnerable to climate change due to inherent characteristics such as limited land space; limited financial, technological, and human capacity; and limited resources. Long term changes to climate patterns, as well as short to medium term variability and extremes associated with climate change, have already begun to alter environmental trends and the integrity of vital ecosystems on which Trinidad and Tobago has relied for generations, with the attendant biophysical and socio-economic impacts
The National Climate Change Policy (articulates Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to address with urgency the drivers and impacts of climate change. While it contains a provision for updating every five years, the decision was taken to delay its update considering the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the finalisation of the
rules of implementation of the Paris Agreement which was com pleted in 2022. Accordingly, the updated Policy now includes the relevant provisions of the Paris Agreement, inclusive of the decisions taken for its implementation, which will provide the international guidance for domestic implementation The provisions of the Paris Agreement represent new and evolving issues that are relevant to addressing climate change, including
issues related to a just transition of the workforce, recognition of the right to a healthy environment and issues germane to women, children, and indigenous peoples. The success of the Policy will depend on a common understanding by everyone of their respective roles and responsibilities regarding climate change while i n pursuit of their interests.