Good day, everyone.

I’m here today to announce a significant step forward in Bermuda’s commitment to addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time: the impacts of climate change. 

The world around us is changing faster than many anticipated. Although future generations - our children and grandchildren - will bear the brunt of climate-related impacts, we already see clear signs of this change here and now. Looking at recent events, it’s evident that we are experiencing an unprecedented shift in our weather patterns and seasonal conditions. Notable examples include:

• The second-wettest day on record was in September, and 2023 is the wettest year on record.

• Increased occurrence of flooding in low-lying areas

• An increasing number of major storms are impacting our region. One such storm is Hurricane Ernesto, which passed directly over Bermuda earlier this summer, making it this century’s eighth direct hit.

• Rising ocean temperatures and sea levels continue to increase each year.

Though Bermuda’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal, we find ourselves on the frontlines of climate impacts. Like other small island and developing states, Bermuda is exceptionally vulnerable to climate impacts. Our geographic isolation, small population, and limited resources increase our susceptibility to sea level rise, severe storms, and other environmental threats, jeopardising critical infrastructure. Facilities such as the L.F. Wade International Airport, key roadways, our power systems, and much of our coastline are at risk from saltwater intrusion, coastal erosion, and storm damage.

We stand at a critical juncture. We must each consider how we will protect and preserve our island for generations to come. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it impacts Bermuda today, altering our environment, stressing our infrastructure, and challenging our economy.

In response to these realities, I announced in March 2022 that the Government had commissioned a comprehensive study, Bermuda and Climate Change: Impacts from Sea Level Rise and Changing Storm Activity, in collaboration with Smith Warner International (SWI) and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. This report thoroughly assesses Bermuda’s vulnerabilities, highlighting specific risks related to rising sea levels and intensified storm patterns. 

Today, I can share that this report and others are now publicly available on the Government Portal at gov.bm/climatechange. I urge everyone to make the time to review and consider its findings as we work together to chart a path forward. Please email any questions or comments you may have to climatechange@gov.bm. 

The SWI report emphasises the urgent need for a coordinated action plan to address these short, medium, and long-term risks. It reveals that 2130 buildings, which equals six per cent of all buildings in Bermuda, are at some level of risk, with up to 326 buildings classified as highly exposed. Vulnerable areas include major roadways, the BELCO plant, our international airport, and a staggering 96 per cent of our coastal reserves, all of which will need some form of protection.

The SWI report also outlines long-term recommendations, including shoreline advancement through beach nourishment, submerged breakwaters, and strategic land reclamation. Each measure will be carefully designed to balance protection with environmental integrity.

Moving forward, we will focus on adaptation, strengthening our ability to manage the changes we can’t avoid. We must fortify our infrastructure, protect our natural resources, and educate our communities to reduce risks and increase resilience.

At the outset of this initiative, the Government recognised the importance of a coordinated and strategic approach to effectively tackling climate change. By unifying efforts, we aim to reduce duplication across Ministries and entities, enhance understanding of ongoing initiatives, and leverage the extensive expertise available across various sectors.

To that end, the Ministry of Home Affairs established a Climate Change Task Force to guide the development and assessment of this critical study. The task force comprises representatives from key ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees the Departments of Energy and Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Department of Planning, which falls under the Ministry for the Cabinet Office. The task force also benefits greatly from the expertise of Dr. Mark Guishard, formerly of the Bermuda Weather Service and currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.

This Task Force will develop a detailed action plan targeting at-risk areas. Key initial priorities include:

1. Public Education and Outreach: The Government will launch an awareness campaign to engage and foster understanding within the community. It will include obtaining valuable feedback from private sector stakeholders, environmental groups, and government departments.

2. Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Protection: A dedicated project manager will be recruited to oversee climate-related initiatives as part of this task force. Guided by the multi-sector Climate Change Task Force, we will prioritise initiatives to strengthen vulnerable infrastructure and, where necessary, relocate high-risk assets.

3. Legislative and Policy Adaptation: We will ensure both the Bermuda Plan and Bermuda Building Codes are amended to include considerations for climate resilience; 

4. Nature-Based Solutions: We will continue investing in ecosystem restoration projects, such as re-establishing mangroves and coral reefs. These natural defences are critical for reducing storm surges and erosion while preserving biodiversity.

As they continue working to complete their task, I express my sincere gratitude to every member of the Climate Task Force for their commitment to this critical project. Your efforts will be instrumental in advancing Bermuda’s response to climate change.

Bermuda has a unique opportunity to adapt and lead. As a global hub for climate risk and insurance expertise, we’re well-positioned to serve as a model of resilience for other small island states. Our success will depend on collaboration at every level, locally and internationally. We will continue working closely with the UK and other overseas territories to secure the resources needed to address these challenges. Again, I urge everyone to read the report and email any questions or comments to climatechange@gov.bm.

In closing, let us acknowledge that climate change is the defining issue of our time. It affects not only our economy and infrastructure but also the landscapes and ecosystems that make Bermuda the cherished home it is. By acting now, we can build a more resilient Bermuda, safeguarding our natural beauty, heritage, and future. This effort is not just about the Government, businesses, or individual residents. It will affect all of us, and we must work together to address these risks. We will adapt, protect, and preserve our island for ourselves and future generations.

Thank you.