Green Caribbean Chronicles

When we think of the Caribbean, we picture turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and lush green coastlines. But increasingly, our paradise is being polluted by one of the most persistent threats to marine life and public health: plastic . In this week’s Green Caribbean Chronicles , we take a closer look at plastic use across the Caribbean, how it's impacting our islands, and how we’re connected to the broader crisis of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — a swirling mass of plastic waste twice the size of Texas floating in the Pacific Ocean. 🌊 The Caribbean's Plastic Problem Across the Caribbean, single-use plastics like shopping bags, straws, Styrofoam containers, and water bottles are part of daily life. Unfortunately, many of our waste systems are ill-equipped to handle them. According to a 2019 World Bank report, the Caribbean is one of the largest plastic polluters per capita in the world. What happens to all that waste? A significant portion ends up in our rivers, seas, an...

  Often referred to as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada is known for its lush forests, vibrant culture, and world-renowned nutmeg. But beyond its beauty lies a powerful narrative—one of environmental stewardship, innovation, and resilience in the face of climate change. This week on Green Caribbean Chronicles , we spotlight Grenada, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) that is making bold strides toward a greener and more sustainable future. 🌿 Embracing Climate Resilience Grenada, like many Caribbean islands, is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and unpredictable weather patterns are constant threats. Yet, Grenada has emerged as a regional leader in climate adaptation and environmental planning. In 2017, the government launched its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) , a multi-sectoral strategy that integrates climate resilience into agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, and tourism. The plan is designed to reduce vulnerability and prom...

  Introduction Affectionately known as the "Nature Island," Dominica is blessed with rich biodiversity, from rainforests to geothermal springs. Yet in 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the island, inflicting damage equal to roughly 226 % of its GDP and destroying nearly 95 % of homes.  Out of adversity, Dominica emerged with a bold vision: to become the world's first climate-resilient nation . 1. A Paradise Tested by Nature 🌋 Dominica's mountainous terrain, wealth of rivers, and Atlantic exposure make it uniquely beautiful—and highly susceptible to hurricanes, floods, and landslides. Hurricane Maria’s Category 5 impact brought catastrophic destruction: roofs were torn off, power lines collapsed, and communities were cut off for days.  2. Rebuilding with Resilience 🏗️ ➤ Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD) In response, the government created CREAD to coordinate recovery and lead long-term resilience efforts—including infrastructure upgrade...