The British High Commission in Port of Spain, in collaboration with UWI St. Augustine, launched the ‘Assessment of National Carbon Pricing Policies in Trinidad and Tobago’, a study examining how carbon pricing could support climate action while contributing to the country's long-term development objectives.
The report aims to support evidence-based discussions as Trinidad and Tobago considers how best to strengthen resilience, pursue sustainable development, and respond to a changing global climate landscape.
The report, unveiled at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Maraval, aims to guide the Caribbean nation as it faces incoming international climate tariffs, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) implemented by the European Union and the UK.
British High Commissioner Jon Dean said the report provides a crucial evidence base for national decision-making.
"It sets out a blueprint to transition Trinidad and Tobago from being vulnerable to international carbon adjustments to having its own resilient domestic carbon pricing framework," Dean said.
Professor Preeya Mohan, whose previous research on CBAM informed the new assessment, highlighted major regulatory hurdles that must be cleared before effective policies can be implemented. Currently, the country's laws do not regulate greenhouse gases, its land laws lack provisions for carbon rights, and its petroleum legislation does not account for underground carbon storage.
Despite these gaps, Mohan characterized the international pressure as a catalyst for local progress.
"These external climate policies, like the EU and the UK CBAM, are really an opportunity for us here in Trinidad and Tobago to develop our own domestic carbon price. It gives us that impetus to go forward," Mohan said, noting that current climate initiatives remain fragmented across the government, private sector, and civil society.
A panel discussion at the launch was moderated by the President and CEO of the Energy Chamber, Dr. Priya Marajh. The panel also included perspectives from Frank Teelucksingh, Director of Coastal Dynamics; Tamara Bujhawan, Managing Director of Mora Carbon; and Aditi Bisramsingh, Climate Change Specialist at the Ministry of Planning and Development.