The Premier and Deputy Premier will discuss Bermuda’s commitment to the environment during a 12-day climate conference in Dubai.

David Burt and Walter Roban are in the United Arab Emirates for the Conference of the Parties, which began yesterday.

The Government’s approach to the annual event, in which more than 200 heads of state and government come together to discuss climate change, is outlined in a White Paper and video.

The White Paper, titled The Bermuda Difference: Bringing Expertise, Resource and Finance to the World’s Biggest Challenge, discusses many things, including the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, the installation of 15MW of solar capacity on the island within the past three years and the country’s goal to become a global capital for climate risk.

Mr Burt, who is also the Minister of Finance, will discuss island innovation during an energy and industry forum at the conference, and Mr Roban will join representatives from Guernsey, Jersey and Gibraltar to talk about climate change’s impact on British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies on December 8.

Mr Roban, who is also the Minister of Home Affairs, said: “The environment, particularly in its maritime aspect, is at the heart of national life and economic policy.

“We welcome COP28 as a further opportunity to share and to build on our unique and vital contribution to the planet in this area.

“Our world-leading insurance and financial services sector plays an ever-growing part in providing security and mitigation for those most affected by climate change.”

In the video, the minister urged people to “commit to environmental protection and sustainable use of our natural resources.”

He added: “Ultimately, it’s not just about protecting the environment, but also the future of the human race.”

• To view the Government’s White Paper in full, see Related Media.

Download PDF File

The Bermuda Difference.pdf