News Releases

British High Commission Collaborates with UWI and EY To Explore Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms

For Release Upon Receipt - March 28, 2025

St. Augustine


On 18 March, the British High Commission in Port of Spain partnered with The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St Augustine Campus and EY (formerly Ernst and Young), to deliver a groundbreaking workshop which explored the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its potential impact on Trinidad and Tobago.

The workshop examined key considerations of the UK’s CBAM including understanding its global implications: its direct impact on Trinidad and Tobago’s industries; strategic responses and pathways for Trinidad and Tobago in adapting to the carbon border tax; and navigating carbon mechanisms and preparing for the future of sustainable trade. 

British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Jon Dean said “this collaboration is yet another example of the UK’s continued support to Trinidad and Tobago in areas of mutual interest, including strengthening T&T’s carbon management strategies.” 

He added that “Workshops like this one are a critical first step in fostering dialogue, exchanging knowledge, and identifying pathways for sustainable development.” 

Professor Brian Cockburn, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology from The UWI St Augustine said “In this regard, this workshop further demonstrates how The UWI is fulfilling its mandate toward shaping the development of our country and region. By grasping these connections, the public and private sectors, can work synergistically to better shape our future policy decisions and economic strategies.” 

The workshops were not only insightful, bringing to the forefront expert knowledge and expertise, but they also paved the way for practical solutions, highlighting the critical role of innovation, collaboration, and education in addressing the challenges of climate change.

About CBAM

The UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a policy designed to address carbon leakage by imposing a charge on certain imported goods based on their carbon emissions. It aims to level the playing field between domestic industries, which are subject to the UK’s carbon pricing policies, and foreign producers operating in countries with less stringent regulations. The CBAM will be implemented in 2027 and will place a carbon price on some of the most emissions-intensive industrial goods imported to the UK from the aluminium, cement, ceramics, fertiliser, glass, hydrogen, iron and steel sectors.

About The UWI

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development. 

As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world. 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

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