National Climate Change Policy.

The Climate Change Policy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The goal of the National Climate Change Policy is to develop an appropriate administrative and legislative framework for the pursuance of a low-carbon development path for Trinidad and Tobago through suitable and relevant strategies and actions to address climate change in harmony with other sectoral policies.
The government will adopt strategies and actions that are environmentally sustainable and compatible with economic growth and social development, with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders including academia, research institutions, public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, business and industry organizations, and the public. In order to protect the benefits of the current and future generations consistent with the principles of sustainable development, precautionary approach will be adopted for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The use of renewable energy will be promoted by developing policy, initiatives and standards, and by providing financial support for domestic use and sale to the national grid. Energy efficiency will be increased particularly in commercial and residential buildings by adopting energy efficiency standards through the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced in all emitting sectors. Furthermore the use of cleaner technology will be increased in all GHG-emitting sectors. The use of alternative fuels will be promoted in the transport sector. Carbon sinks will be enhanced by conserving forests and protecting natural systems, including rehabilitation of degraded areas that contribute to carbon sequestration. Institutional capacity will be strengthened to participate in the Clean Development Mechanism. Research and development will be strengthened for the evidence-based response to the impacts of climate change. Adaptation measures will be integrated into the national development agenda across all sectors for the protection of the natural environment and human health. Sectoral vulnerability to climate change will be assessed by conducting vulnerability analyses and formulating adaptation options in biophysical and socio-economic systems. The resilience of human and natural systems will be increased to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. The Green Fund will be allocated for public awareness-raising to promote community-based adaptation. Moreover climate change issues will be integrated into the national education system at all levels. The national and local stakeholders will have equitable access to and benefit from information and knowledge on climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation. The health status of the citizens will be protected against the adverse impacts of climate change such as water and vector borne diseases and water and food shortage. To this end, measures will be taken for enhanced agricultural production and food security, as well as sustainable supply of potable water.
Implementation of this policy will be monitored by the relevant stakeholder networks set up by the Government. The climate change policy will be revised every five years to determine its overall effectiveness in achieving its objectives and will be updated according to the findings of the review while simultaneously incorporating new scientific data.