Speaking at the COP29 ministerial sector sessions, Rodriguez, who is a Cuban Science, Technology, and Environment Minister, stated that climate change is not a future risk; it is a present and real danger for billions of people, especially island developing States.

In this context, the COP29 contribution is essential if we understand that strengthening climate ambition requires our countries to have access to the necessary means of implementation under the right conditions,” Rodriguez added.

He also stated that his country has been affected by natural phenomena caused by climate change, causing millions of dollars in losses. This scenario is marked by the US economic, commercial, and financial blockade, which is the leading obstacle to the island’s development.

Rodriguez emphasized that without a reliable flow of essential resources, calls for mitigation and resilience in developing countries may remain mere rhetoric.

Cuba reminded that the Loss and Damage Fund will reportedly not be available until 2026, and negotiations on the new financial target have been plagued by attempts to pervert the basis of the Paris Agreement.

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