Dominica’s prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit appealed on the United Nations to act on climate change following devastation caused to the island by Hurricane Maria.
He begged for solidarity at a time that has left people in his country homeless and hungry.
Warmer air and sea temperatures caused by climate change were behind the two recent hurricanes that have affected Caribbean nations and ravaged Dominica, which is currently in a state of emergency, he told the UN General Assembly in New York.
“I have left my bleeding nation to be with you here today because these are the moments for which the United Nations exists.
“There is no more time for conversation. There is little time left for action. While the big countries talk, the small island nations suffer. We need action and we need it now,” Skerrit said.
The small island nation known for its unspoiled beauty has held a national park with UNESCO World Heritage status for 20 years.
But Skerrit said: “The desolation is beyond imagination. The stars have fallen. Eden is broken. 72,000 Dominicans lie on the frontline in a war that they did not start.”
He called on military resources “standing idle” to be engaged for rescue and rebuilding efforts.
“Let Dominica today be that war… because currently, our landscape reflects a war zone,” Skerrit added.
He returned to Dominica to face the escalating death toll following the address in New York