Antigua and Barbuda will be represented at the 64th Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-64) in Bangkok from March 24–27 by Orvin Paige from the Meteorological Department and Arry Simon from the Department of Environment.

The meeting comes at a critical time following unresolved debates at IPCC-63 in Lima, where countries failed to agree on timelines for key climate reports. For small island states, this delay is more than procedural—it directly affects their ability to plan, adapt, and survive.

Nations like Antigua and Barbuda are on the frontline of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and tourism infrastructure, while stronger hurricanes and unpredictable rainfall strain already limited resources. Despite contributing little to global emissions, these countries face some of the highest risks.

A major concern is access to climate finance. Small island developing states often struggle to secure funding due to complex application processes, limited technical capacity, and restrictive criteria. Even when funds are approved, implementation can be slow, delaying urgent adaptation projects such as coastal protection, water security systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

At IPCC-64, discussions on funding constraints within the IPCC itself also highlight a broader issue—without adequate financial support, both global climate science and local action in vulnerable countries could stall.

The outcomes of this meeting will help shape preparations for COP31, where stronger commitments and improved financing mechanisms will be key. For Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring that global decisions translate into real, accessible support on the ground remains the ultimate priority.