• Due to Barbados´s vulnerability to climate change which requires immediate action the country’s Prime Minister, Mia Mottley is taking action. 
• Mottley is implementing policies such as the Blue Economy Strategy which is resulting in increasing economic security and resilience to climate change. 
• Mottley’s successful implementation of her green policies serves as an example to other island nations facing similar challenges.

Why is Mia Mottley’s heat level HOT?

Answer: She has been able to implement several sustainable initiatives resulting in social, environmental and economic development.  

Since taking office as Barbados’ Prime Minister in 2018, Mia Mottley has been active on the international stage, championing environmentally focused economic policies. These initiatives are central to her agenda, driven by the existential threat climate change poses to Barbados as an island nation. 

Mia Mottley’s heat level is HOT since she has successfully implemented reforms and projects which focus on creating a more sustainable economy in her country. 

One of these reforms is the creation of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy projects. These changes are helping Barbados become a climate leader among the SIDS (Small Islands Developing states). It also further guarantees that Barbados is taking advantage of its EEZ in a sustainable way, where long term success is achieved. 

The Blue Economy also led to an increase in Marine protected areas, as a way to protect biodiversity and increase resilience. However, some challenges have risen, as regulations are sometimes challenging and not completely ensured. Moreover, this policy has increased investment in the responsible aquaculture industry.

Secondly, the Blue Economy strategy led to the implementation of new projects which resulted in an increase in economic security through the creation of sustainable jobs. 

Finally, sustainable economic sectors and diversification increases economic security and resilience, safeguarding Barbados´s economic position globally.  As a developing nation, Barbados struggles to establish worthwhile partnerships. Hence, if Barbados is able to stabilise itself economically, it can unlock valuable opportunities, furthering their investments and development

What is changing Mia Mottley’s heat level?

Answer: Mottley’s transformation of Barbados into a republic and global climate change awareness have amplified her influence, enabling her to propose impactful policies internationally.

A key factor that catalysed Mottley’s policy initiatives was Barbados becoming a republic in November 2021. This change meant that Queen Elizabeth II would no longer be the head of state of Barbados. Despite becoming a republic, Barbados is still part of the commonwealth, highlighting its healthy relationship with the UK. This reflects a new era for the country, both in terms of sovereignty and democratisation. 

Prior to this, Barbados was unable to implement significant political changes, given necessary approval by the English Crown. This became an obstacle for Mottley, as she was not able to implement major environmental, social and economic policies. This transition ensured she would have more power to act upon national challenges. 

She has successfully brought together countries and investors to seek collaborative solutions. This could be seen in the Bridgetown initiative, which brought together key players from various global sectors, including governments, international institutions and private investors. Furthermore, her appearances in the international arena have highlighted her effort of reaching collaborative solutions. 

This heightened awareness has been crucial in driving global conversations and actions towards addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable nations. Mottley’s advocacy has led to her gaining international recognition, notably for her climate leadership. Her speeches at the United Nations and other international platforms have resonated internationally, emphasising the pressing need for global cooperation in the fight against climate change. Through her persistent efforts, Mottley has become a symbol of political leadership in climate action.

Mottley’s rise in the international arena reflects a broader shift towards integrating climate considerations into the core of economic and political strategies, setting a precedent for future global cooperation and sustainability.

What is driving Mia Mottley?

Answer: Mia Mottley’s primary focus is the national interest of Barbados, focusing on climate change’s impact on the economy, biodiversity, and human security. 

It is important to note that Barbados is an island highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geographical position and conditions. The primary concern is that 47,000 persons and 24%  of human settlements are located in the Low Elevation Coastal Zone (LECZ), which includes areas up to 10 metres in elevation. 

Furthermore, the International Disaster Database reports that since 2002, a total of  8.860 persons in Barbados have been affected by natural disasters such as droughts, tropical cyclones, and earthquakes. This heightened vulnerability is a key reason why Prime Minister Mia Mottley is advocating for green policies.

For over a decade, it has been evident that climate change poses a significant threat to Barbados’s economy. However, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored this vulnerability. During the pandemic, the country’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, which  represented 17.5% of its GDP, came to a halt for several months. This disruption highlighted for Mottley the potential long-term economic threat posed by climate change, as extreme weather events like tornadoes and floods could similarly deter tourists from visiting the island. 

This realisation drives her to promote sustainable economic policies to prevent a future economic collapse similar to what occurred during the pandemic. Mottley has implemented specific measures to address global warming and steer Barbados towards sustainable development. Her recent emphasis on climate change is not a mere coincidence but a strategic move, reflecting her vision for a safer, sustainable future where Barbadians can live and work while preserving their island.

What does this mean for you?

Answer: The effects of climate change will severely impact small islands like Barbados, necessitating urgent action.

Barbados, under the leadership of Mia Mottley, is making strides in reshaping its economic operations. By prioritising not only the country’s immediate growth but also the long-term impacts, Barbados is setting an example for other island nations to follow. 

Some of her actions include digitalization, sustainable agriculture and fishing along with renewable energy. There is an aim to avoid excessive reliance on tourism and diversify sources of income within the economy. 

Moreover, by fostering initiatives such as the Roof to Reefs national resilience plan and the Blue Economy for sustainable resources use, she is encouraging a coherent recovery from Covid- 19 and a comprehensive climate action within its territory, giving a clear example to other islands of valuable course of action. 
Finally, it is important to recognize that the devastation caused by climate change could force the relocation of Barbados’ 281,995 inhabitants to other countries. Ensuring that vulnerable countries like Barbados are not severely affected by climate change is essential from a humanitarian and political perspective. The policies advocated by Prime Minister Mia Mottley are a positive step towards mitigating these impacts and protecting the livelihoods of those at risk.

IExRAIA Summer Research Program:

This article is based on a report about Mia Mottley produced as part of an RAIA research program on climate leaders. For a full picture of Mottley’s climate leadership read the full report.

This project was fully financed by IE University’s IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs.

Authors: Francisco Jeldres and Valeria Flores

Editor: Roxane De Bergevin

Project Lead: Francia Morales