A group of 39 small islands has said it is watching with “deep concern” as Hurricane Melissa barrels through the Caribbean.
“All of our small island developing states know all too well the fear and dread those in the hurricane’s path are feeling,” the group said.
“This trauma should not be anyone’s norm.”
Sixteen Caribbean islands are among the Alliance of Small Island States members, including Jamaica and Cuba – where the Category 5 storm is on course to hit.
In the statement, the group raised the alarm over unprecedented global temperatures causing warmer seas and more severe storms.
“It is the people who have contributed the least to the greenhouse gas emissions which exacerbate climate change, who pay the devastating price,” the group added.
“This is why when countries converge at COP30 in just a few weeks, it is crucial that we finally and effectively address this vicious cycle.
“We need urgent action that gets us back on track with a 1.5C warming limit increase, so we can avoid even worse impacts to come.”