Changes in the international energy market will have "profound impacts" on the region, a regional ambassador has warned the world body of nations, saying the high cost has left Caricom countries economically vulnerable.

"Sourcing low-cost energy, through inter-regional cooperation, diversification of energy sources and support for that diversification is needed," said Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. John Ashe, addressing the opening of the 15th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development on behalf of the 15-member Caricom bloc.

Ashe said in addition to increased cooperation, Caricom would like to see climate change "mainstreamed into industrial policies, especially those of developed countries" and urged countries to respond to the "devastating impacts of climate change", specifically by taking steps to reduce emissions.

"Developed countries should take responsibility for the damage caused by climate change," Ashe said as the region welcomed support to the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) to address future disasters. International action is needed to help Caricom meet the costs of adaptation and mitigation, build capacity for disaster preparedness and promote urban development."

Grenada's UN Ambassador, Dr Angus Friday, who spoke on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, reaffirmed that the thematic issues discussed during the current session, if not adequately addressed, would present serious threats to the security and sustainable development of Small Island Developing States.

On climate change, he appealed for urgent action to "fully operationalise the adaptation funds," established under the Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol.

"The alliance supports establishing regional risk insurance facilities for Small Island Developing States, and call for more comprehensive implementation of such risk management initiatives," he said.

On energy, the Grenadian envoy said a global renewable energy fund is also urgently needed to "assist in the dissemination of renewable energy to developing countries" and emphasised the need for "practical financing solutions" to implement various programmes for sustainable development.

- CMC