As the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) convenes in Samoa, a chorus of voices from nations most vulnerable to climate change is urging Britain and other wealthy countries to pay reparations for historical injustices, including slavery and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Leaders from nations like the Bahamas are seeking financial support to address the devastation wrought by extreme weather events, which threaten their very existence due to rising sea levels.
Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, emphasized the need for reparative justice during a recent interview, stating, “The Commonwealth is the ideal forum for making progress on reparations.”
He highlighted the unique responsibility of wealthier nations to assist poorer countries facing existential threats from climate change.
The Bahamas Prime Minister emphasizes existential threats from climate change during Commonwealth summit negotiations.With nearly half of Commonwealth members being island states, the urgency of this issue is more pronounced, as their survival hangs in the balance.
At this historic summit, the leaders will also push for reparations related to slavery, echoing sentiments across the Caribbean.
Estimates suggest that the UK could owe up to £200 billion for slavery and £6.2 trillion in climate reparations by 2050, based on its carbon emissions since 1960.
However, the British government has maintained its stance against reparations, preferring to focus on discussions around sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies.
While the King is set to sidestep the political intricacies surrounding reparations, his foundation will showcase efforts to support Commonwealth countries in creating low-carbon, sustainable cities.
The discourse at CHOGM may pave the way for meaningful dialogue about historical injustices, as leaders from both sides of the equation grapple with their responsibilities.
The decisions made in Samoa could shape not only the future of the Commonwealth but also the broader global approach to addressing the legacies of colonialism and climate change.