Screenshot from a video statement by Grenada’s environment minister, Simon Stiell, in recognition of World Environment Day 2020, taken from a YouTube video by The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). On August 15, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) announced the appointment of Grenada's Minister for Climate Resilience and the Environment Senator Simon Stiell as Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change: 📢 #ClimateChange news! UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed @simonstiell as the new Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. — UN Climate Change (@UNFCCC) August 15, 2022 The appointment by UN Secretary-General António Guterres is seen as a recognition of the vulnerability of small island states in the struggle against climate change. Steill takes over from Ibrahim Thiaw, who had been acting in the position for four weeks. One climate expert noted that although women had been touted for the job, gender parity was not a major issue, since Stiell was following in the footsteps of two women, who, like Stiell, are both from the Americas region: Mexico’s Patricia Espinosa and Costa Rica’s Christiana Figueres: so it wasn't one of the many African and Asian women our sources tipped for the job 🤷‍♀️ but hey, @joeloyo got the scoop on the next UN climate chief https://t.co/TauNdFpnm2 — Megan Darby (@climatemegan) August 15, 2022 Espinosa herself tweeted her congratulations to her successor: Congratulations, my friend @simonstiell, for your appointment as UNFCCC head. You will see what a great team you will lead!! You have my full support for the work ahead. — Patricia Espinosa C. (@PEspinosaC) August 15, 2022 The appointment had been rumored since early August. Veteran climate change warrior Al Gore tweeted his congratulations: Congratulations to @simonstiell on his new role as @UNFCCC Executive Secretary. With climate action accelerating in the US, the world community must come together and act boldly at #COP27. Looking forward to his much-needed leadership! https://t.co/Ka1cD2BjK4 — Al Gore (@algore) August 16, 2022 The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), currently chaired by Antigua and Barbuda, and an important champion for small islands at UN Climate Conferences, expressed great pleasure at the appointment: Congratulations to one of the Caribbean’s most dedicated climate champions @simonstiell on this worthy appointment 👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/MjBHtMeqoc — AOSIS (@AOSISChair) August 15, 2022 Reaction from the Caribbean was highly positive. Jamaica’s Minister Without Portfolio with responsibility for climate change and the environment Senator Matthew Samuda was among the first to congratulate his Caribbean colleague. He was quoted by the UK Guardian: “He’s an excellent choice, very qualified, and very committed to the climate change agenda. Most importantly, he understands the challenges of developing nations. Jamaica and no doubt the entire Caribbean looks forward to working with him.” Earlier Samuda had tweeted: Well deserved! The reward for good work is more work. Congrats my friend ⁦@simonstiell⁩ Grenada's Simon Stiell set to be appointed UN climate chief https://t.co/qBjIn7m6tB — Matthew Samuda (@matthewsamuda) August 12, 2022 Director of Climate at Open Society Foundations Yamide Dagnet tweeted congratulations from Guadeloupe and was quoted in an article from the UK Guardian: “It’s incredible to see proven island leadership take the helm at UNFCCC. My hope is that this will bring renewed impetus for just transitions towards vibrant, more resilient low-carbon economies and societies.” The recently re-elected Commonwealth Secretary General, Dominica-born Baroness Patricia Scotland, tweeted: Congratulations to @simonstiell, Environment Minister of #Grenada, on his appointment as the Executive Secretary of @UNFCCC.⁰⁰I look forward to working with you and joining forces with another strong #Caribbean and #Commonwealth voice for small states⁰⁰#CommonwealthForClimate https://t.co/naLdUmHP0Y — Patricia Scotland QC (@PScotlandCSG) August 16, 2022 In a 2019 video on Facebook, Stiell talked about climate resilience, discussing how small islands could be “fleet of foot” and move forward in adapting to climate change: Explaining why Grenada was the first country in the region to establish a Ministry of Climate Resilience…..#ClimateResilience Commentators made it clear that Stiell would have plenty of work on his plate, suggesting that there are specific, daunting and complex issues to be addressed.