How has Hurricane Melissa impacted Jamaica?

Hurricane Melissa caused almost $10 billion in damage and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Jamaica, according to the country's economic growth minister.

What are vulnerable nations demanding at the COP30 climate talks?

Vulnerable nations are calling for major emitters to honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement and take urgent action to cut emissions and keep global warming below 1.5°C.

How is the progress in the COP30 climate negotiations being viewed?

Speakers at the talks are lamenting the slow progress in the negotiations, with one Cuban minister saying "Tomorrow it will be too late to do what we had to do a long time ago."

Home / Environment / Small Island Nations Plead for Climate Action as Disasters Ravage Homes

Small Island Nations Plead for Climate Action as Disasters Ravage Homes

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Jamaica's economy devastated by recent Category 5 hurricane
Vulnerable nations call for major emitters to honor Paris Agreement
Slow progress in climate negotiations puts lives at risk

As high-level ministers take over the COP30 climate negotiations, vulnerable nations are making a desperate plea for the rest of the world to take immediate action. Just three weeks ago, Jamaica was battered by the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, causing almost $10 billion in damage and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

"Hurricane Melissa changed the life of every Jamaican in less than 24 hours," said the country's economic growth minister, Matthew Samuda. He and other representatives from small island states and impoverished nations are warning that lives are on the line, and the world's current climate plans are not strong enough to keep global warming below the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement.