Green Caribbean Chronicles

  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...

  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...

  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 (...

  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...

Disclaimer: This blog post is a personal reflection informed by my experiences, education, and deep commitment to both child protection and environmental sustainability. It is not intended to replace scientific research or official policy but to help break down important climate issues in a relatable and engaging way. My journey as a child protection specialist showed me how vulnerable children are to systems, policies, and yes—even the environment they grow up in. Over the past few years, especially through my graduate studies, I’ve also become increasingly aware that one of the biggest threats to our future isn’t just poverty or conflict. It’s our changing climate. Now, having completed my graduate studies in Energy and Environmental Management, my view has only deepened: the environment we raise our children in today will shape the adults they become tomorrow. But despite everything we know about climate change, I’ve had more conversations than I can count with people includin...