GUYANA’S climate services are rapidly emerging as a significant economic commodity, with revenues generated through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 helping to fund major national sustainable projects; this is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
“Climate and environmental stewardship is not a gift only that we’re giving to the world; it is part of our new economy,” the Head of State said during a Wednesday broadcast of the Tea on the Terrace programme.
He noted that environmental, climate and biodiversity services are gaining global recognition as valuable economic commodities, with Guyana strategically positioning itself to capitalise on these emerging opportunities.
Revenues from climate services, along with traditional oil and tax revenues, according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, significantly contribute to Guyana’s national treasury.
“We have actually achieved something in Guyana that very few, if any other country, really has, and that is earning revenue for the climate services that we are providing globally,” the finance minister shared as he joined the discussion with President Ali.

“Climate revenues are now a significant source of revenue to the treasury. So, in addition to oil revenue, which obviously we’re earning, traditional tax revenue, which we’ve been earning, we now have a significant flow of climate revenue coming in.”
Despite being an emerging oil producer, Guyana, he stressed, is simultaneously deepening its reputation as a global climate leader.
Minister Singh pointed out that Guyana has attracted global attention for its strong economic performance, particularly on the oil and gas front. However, he emphasised that there is a “second, equally remarkable story”: Guyana remains a net carbon sink and is projected to do so even at peak oil production.
Guyana’s climate revenues have been generated under successive phases of the LCDS, starting with a bilateral partnership with Norway under the original strategy and continuing under LCDS 2030. Funds earned from the sale of carbon credits have been channelled into a range of projects.
These include: The Guyana (GUYSOL) solar project, delivering around 33 megawatts of solar energy; inland electrification initiatives, expanding energy access; drainage and irrigation (D&I) investments; and an Amerindian land titling programme.
LIVELIHOODS AND RESILIENCE
Minister Singh highlighted other projects, such as the Hope canals and village sustainability plans, funded by these climate revenues, improving livelihoods and community resilience.
Modelled on the existing Hope Canal, these new canals in Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six aim to reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding in farming areas such as Black Bush Polder. For generations, a single episode of intense rainfall combined with high tide has been able to wipe out crops and entire annual incomes.
“For a long time, our farmers and our farming communities and their families of farmers have struggled with climate change and extreme climate events,” he said adding: “What they will allow us to do is finally achieve a situation where our farming communities will now be better protected from flooding, and therefore their livelihoods will be protected. It may not eliminate the risk of flooding completely, but they will dramatically reduce the risk.”
EDUCATION HUB
President Ali further highlighted Guyana’s efforts to position itself as a hub for environmental and biodiversity education and research.
“We have been focusing a lot on positioning Guyana as an education hub for environmental, biodiversity and nature-based solutions.”
Back in January, the President had announced plans for a Commonwealth Centre of Excellence on Biodiversity in Guyana and revealed renewed backing from King Charles III for the country’s pioneering work on climate, forests and the environment.
During an official visit to the United Kingdom (UK) Dr. Ali had met with His Majesty King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, at Buckingham Palace.
“I think there are some exciting announcements, some exciting programmes and exciting opportunities ahead of us, and this is all part of building that resilient, sustainable economy that has diversified; not only diversified in traditional areas, but diversified in new areas that are future proof,” the President said back in January following discussions with the UK officials.

The goal he said is to build a resilient, sustainable economy through environmental services, ensuring future-proofing and global leadership in biodiversity and ecological services.