Posts

Environmental Justice: Why My Work in Social Work Led Me to Sustainability

Image
Over the past year, several people have asked me the same question: “How did you go from social work to environmental sustainability?” It’s a fair question. For seven plus years, I worked as a Child Protection Specialist in Brooklyn. Before that, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Children and Youth Studies. Today, I hold a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Management and focus much of my writing and advocacy on climate resilience and sustainability in the Caribbean. To some, it may look like a career pivot. But to me, it is a continuation of the same mission. What Is Environmental Justice? Environmental justice is the principle that all people, regardless of race, income, or background, deserve equal protection from environmental harm and equal access to environmental benefits. It recognizes that low-income communities and marginalized populations are often disproportionately exposed to: Air pollution Poor housing conditions Limited green space Climate ris...
Post a Comment
Read more

AMOC: The Ocean System the Caribbean Cannot Afford to Ignore

Image
  By Z. Charles | Green Caribbean Chronicles There is a powerful ocean system moving quietly beneath the surface of global headlines — one that could significantly reshape weather patterns, food systems, sea levels, and climate stability worldwide. It is called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) . And the Caribbean should be paying very close attention. What Is the AMOC? The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a large system of ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean that acts like a massive conveyor belt. It moves warm, salty surface water from the tropics northward toward Europe and returns cold, deep water southward. This circulation system plays a crucial role in: Regulating global temperatures Distributing heat across continents Influencing rainfall patterns Supporting marine ecosystems In simple terms, AMOC helps balance Earth’s climate. Why Scientists Are Concerned Research suggests that AMOC has been weakening ove...
Post a Comment
Read more

BBNJ Agreement: A Historic Leap for Ocean Protection and Shared Prosperity

  By Z. Charles | Green Caribbean Chronicles On January 17, 2026 , the world reached a major milestone in environmental governance: the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement,  commonly known as the High Seas Treaty,  officially entered into force. This landmark treaty represents the first legally binding global framework to protect and sustainably manage the ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction —the high seas—which make up nearly two-thirds of the planet’s oceans and cover about half of the Earth’s surface. For the first time in history, countries have joined forces to regulate activities on the open ocean; areas that previously lacked a unified legal regime. This is not just a win for marine life; it is a pivotal step toward healthier oceans, climate resilience, and equitable global cooperation. What the BBNJ Agreement Is The BBNJ Agreement, formally known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversit...
Post a Comment
Read more

2026: A Year of Possibility, Purpose, and Power for the Caribbean

Image
  As we step into 2026, I find myself both hopeful and reflective, especially when I think about my home, Saint Lucia, and the wider Caribbean. This year feels different. Not because the challenges have disappeared, but because the conversations are changing. The region is no longer only talking about survival—we are talking about ownership, resilience, and self-determination . This first blog of 2026 is not about predictions. It’s about what I am watching closely, what I hope to see, and what I believe is possible if we choose collaboration over dependency. Geothermal Energy: A Turning Point for Saint Lucia One of the biggest developments I will be following in 2026 is geothermal energy in Saint Lucia . For years, geothermal has been discussed as a promising solution. It is clean, reliable, and locally sourced. Saint Lucia sits on volcanic potential that could provide stable base-load electricity, reduce fossil fuel imports, and protect households from volatile energy costs...
Post a Comment
Read more

🔥 Geothermal Energy in the Caribbean: A New Frontier for Clean Power and Resilience

Image
  By Z. Charles | Green Caribbean Chronicles As the Caribbean continues to confront climate change, energy insecurity, and high-cost power generation, a long-discussed but historically elusive solution is finally gaining traction: geothermal energy . Unlike solar and wind, geothermal provides 24/7 baseload power — energy that is always available, day and night, rain or shine. For islands heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, this could be transformational. This blog explores the most recent developments, ongoing projects, regional cooperation efforts, challenges, and why geothermal energy matters now more than ever. 🌋 What Is Geothermal Energy? Geothermal energy harnesses heat from within the Earth, particularly  in volcanic regions where hot rocks and underground water create high-energy resources. In practice, wells are drilled to bring steam or hot water to the surface, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. This form of energy is: Reliable (...
Post a Comment
Read more

Thirst in Paradise: Why Water Shortages Are Becoming a Crisis Across the Caribbean

Image
  By Z. Charles | Green Caribbean Chronicles I’ve been thinking a lot lately about water. Not just as a symbol of life, but as something more fragile than we often admit. For many of us raised in the Caribbean, water has always felt abundant — beaches, rain showers, and lush green hills. Yet now, we are seeing signs of a very different reality: water scarcity is no longer a distant threat; for many islands, it's already here. How Bad Is It? A Look at the Data According to regional assessments, some Caribbean islands are officially water scarce . For example: Barbados has less than 307 m³ of renewable water per person per year , well below the “water scarcity” threshold of 1,000 m³. OAS +2 DW +2 Antigua & Barbuda (800 m³) and Saint Kitts and Nevis (621 m³) are in similarly precarious positions. OAS A major study found that on average, Caribbean water utilities lose 46% of treated water before it reaches homes. International Science Council +1 In tourism...
Post a Comment
Read more