Environment and climate change | Commonwealth

For more information contact our Climate Change team

Main page for this area of work

Environment and climate change

Commonwealth Living Lands Charter

The Commonwealth Living Lands Charter is an agreement by all 56 member countries to:
• safeguard global land resources
• take coordinated action to address climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation or desertification, and
• promote climate-resilient and sustainable land management.

IMO and Commonwealth Secretariat join forces for sustainable maritime development

Newly-signed partnership will promote sustainable maritime transport through joint activities in selected countries.

The Commonwealth at COP27

The 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) was hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt from 6-18 November, 2022 at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Centre. See top news and photos below.

Partnerships, inclusivity and innovation to help increase food security

Food security is one of the biggest threats facing not only the Commonwealth, but millions of people around the world. Compounded by climate change, soaring food prices and geopolitical issues, millions are at risk of not being able to access necessary nutrition.

Focus switches to COP27 as African leaders gather in Gabon for Africa Climate Week

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, joined African leaders at Africa Climate Week 2022 to discuss Africa’s climate change challenges and regional collaboration towards implementing solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Commonwealth upskills officials to raise capital for climate action

Last week a workshop was held to train senior officials from Africa and the Caribbean to develop financial proposals which will help them raise funds for future climate projects.

“There is no time to waste”: Commonwealth Secretary-General calls for greater, multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance food security

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has called for a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to tackle the increasing threat of food insecurity across the world, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, the climate crisis, and political, social and economic inequalities.

Secretary-General Scotland and President of Mauritius put a spotlight on need for greater Climate Finance

Secretary-General Scotland met with Mauritian leaders to discuss climate action, the cost of living crisis, renewing tourism post-pandemic, opportunities for economic recovery and more.

Commonwealth releases new toolkit in Mauritius to enhance access to climate finance for small and vulnerable states

Yesterday during the Fifth Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub Steering Committee meeting, held in Mauritius, the Commonwealth Secretariat launched the ‘Toolkit to Enhance Access to Climate Finance: A Practical Guide’.

Commonwealth welcomes UN resolution declaring healthy environment a universal human right

The Commonwealth welcomes the United Nations General Assembly’s recognition of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Navigating Climate Finance as a small island state: Lessons from Antigua and Barbuda

Blog by Sasha Jattansingh, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser to Antigua and Barbuda and Nadia Spencer-Henry, Debt Manager, Government of Antigua and Barbuda

Commonwealth Secretary-General lauds new Pacific regional strategy

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, has applauded the adoption of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent at the 51st Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week in Suva, Fiji.

“We must right this wrong”: Commonwealth Secretary-General at UN Ocean Conference

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, made a powerful plea for ocean action today at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

Antigua and Barbuda to join Commonwealth coalition on mangroves

Antigua and Barbuda has announced its intention to join the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group on Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods, emphasising that the coastal forests are vital to mitigating and building resilience to the harmful impacts of climate change.

$10 million extra funding for Commonwealth Small Island Developing States

Commonwealth Secretariat secures $10 million in extra funding for Small Island Developing States as Cambridge Collaboration pays dividends.

An Ocean of Opportunity

The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement by Commonwealth countries to actively co-operate in addressing the myriad of ocean-related issues and commitments that they face.

Read publication

‘Unprecedented’ pressure on ocean triggers debate on new solutions

Multiple stressors on the ocean, including overfishing, marine pollution and climate change, are threatening life under water as well as on land, but global efforts to protect the ocean are underway.

St Lucia welcomes Commonwealth climate support as hurricane season begins

Top officials from the Government of Saint Lucia say they are staying vigilant as the Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins this week, while urging the Commonwealth’s continued support towards building climate resilience in the country.

Commonwealth tree planted for HM The Queen’s Jubilee

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, planted a tree today in Green Park, in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

New partnership to boost sustainable hydropower in Commonwealth countries

The Commonwealth Secretariat and International Hydropower Association (IHA) are teaming up to advance sustainable hydropower in member countries, in line with the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda.

Commonwealth needs to be a loud voice for action on climate: Prime Minister of The Bahamas

The Commonwealth Secretariat has today held another instance of the Marlborough House Dialogues, its new forum for discussion and dialogue with political leaders and thinkers from within the Commonwealth.

Read press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General calls for urgent climate action on Earth Day

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, has called for countries to ramp up action to urgently address key challenges linked to climate change, ocean, land degradation and biodiversity loss.

Read press release

Socio-economic and Financial Implications Assessment of Climate Change on Jamaica

The Nationally Determined Contributions Partnership (NDCP) assists countries committed to implementing NDCs and the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Through its Climate Action Enhancement Program (CAEP), the NDCP helps countries fast-track climate and development activities.

Read publication

Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda

The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Agenda enables member countries to work together to fast-track an inclusive, just and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems across the Commonwealth.

Blog: Why a Climate Financing Framework is critical for NDC action

Climate finance is becoming increasingly available to countries, but it must be integrated with national policy, planning and budgetary systems. One way to address this is through a comprehensive Climate Change Financing Framework.