It will create employment and rejuvenate economic sectors that have suffered in recent years, such as tourism, manufacturing and transportation. It will provide vital experience of the region’s ability to work together, leading to better regional understanding and cohesion. Perhaps most importantly, the Caribbean successfully pursing a sustainable energy system will send a strong message to the rest of the world that tackling climate change and transitioning from an almost 100 per cent fossil fuel-based energy system to a clean, sustainable energy system is indeed possible. There then follows a review of the international sustainable energy environment, determining both emerging trends and risks, before assessing the ability of existing strategies to foster sustainable growth.