As her tenure as Secretary General of the Commonwealth approaches its conclusion in March 2025, Patricia Scotland emphasizes the bloc’s critical role in combating climate change and supporting vulnerable nations.
Under her leadership since 2016, the 56-member Commonwealth has positioned itself as a formidable force in addressing the climate crisis, particularly for small island developing states.
Scotland, a native of Dominica, began her term shortly after the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Erica, which wiped out 95% of the island’s GDP.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, she prioritized securing funding for climate initiatives in developing countries, leading to over $363 million in climate action funding and an additional $500 million in the pipeline.
The rising frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and cyclones, have underscored Scotland’s advocacy.
Notably, Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica in 2017, and recent cyclones have wreaked havoc across the Caribbean and Pacific.
As leaders convene in Samoa, calls for enhanced climate justice and reparations are expected to dominate discussions at CHOGM.Scotland highlights that small island nations, contributing merely 1% of global CO2 emissions, deserve easier access to climate financing, emphasizing their disproportionate vulnerability.
During her time in office, Scotland launched initiatives like the Commonwealth Blue Charter, aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems and mitigating pollution.
Her efforts have galvanized support among member nations, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s influence in global climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement.
The upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa will further spotlight climate action and justice.
With growing calls for developed nations, including the UK, to enhance their support for climate resilience in vulnerable regions, Scotland urges member states to continue her legacy of collaboration and advocacy.
As Scotland prepares to pass the torch to her successor, she remains hopeful that the Commonwealth will persist in its mission to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change, ensuring a safer future for all member countries.