Green Caribbean Chronicles

Anyone who knows me knows I love my carnival. The excitement, the colors, the culture, the music, the pure joy of being surrounded by friends and strangers alike in celebration, there's nothing quite like it. Carnival brings a unique kind of warmth. It’s not just a party; it’s a deep expression of identity, freedom, and tradition across the Caribbean. Honestly, I itch every time I miss carnival back home. Or as the old folks would say in Creole, “ mwen ka graté” —my spirit literally scratches if I’m not there. It’s more than just FOMO (fear of missing out); it’s a yearning for community and cultural connection. But after this year’s Saint Lucia Carnival 2025, something caught my eye—and my conscience. I saw a few social media posts and comments by fellow Saint Lucians, raising valid concerns about the amount of waste left behind, especially in key areas of the city. Empty bottles, food containers, costume debris, our streets, beaches, and drains were full. As someone who plays both...

Today, we honor one of nature’s most vital ecosystems: mangroves . The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem , observed every July 26 , highlights the essential role mangroves play in environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods—especially in coastal and island nations like those in the Caribbean. These ecosystems are more than just coastal forests. They are lifelines. Why Mangroves Matter Mangroves: 🌊 Act as natural storm shields , reducing damage from hurricanes and high tides 🐟 Provide nurseries for fish , supporting food security and the fishing industry 💨 Absorb up to four times more carbon than rainforests—making them key in fighting climate change 🦐 Support local livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and harvesting 🧠 Stabilize coastlines and reduce erosion, protecting both people and property Despite these benefits, mangrove forests are disappearing three to five times faster than global forests...

As island nations search for innovative and sustainable ways to power their futures, the Caribbean is perfectly positioned to lead in harnessing one of the ocean’s most reliable forces— tidal energy . Unlike solar or wind, tidal power is predictable, consistent, and rooted in the very waters that define our identity. This week on Green Caribbean Chronicles , we explore what tidal energy is, how it works, and why it could play a vital role in the region’s transition to clean energy—and how the global momentum around tidal power can support the Caribbean’s efforts.  What is Tidal Energy? Tidal energy, a form of hydropower, captures the movement of ocean tides to generate electricity. This is typically done using underwater turbines or tidal barrages that convert the kinetic energy of moving water into power. Unlike solar and wind, tides follow precise lunar cycles, making tidal energy highly predictable. It’s an ideal complement to other renewable sources in a hybrid energy system. W...

The Caribbean is surrounded by one of its most valuable resources— the ocean . Yet, for too long, this vast and vital space has been underutilized or exploited unsustainably. With growing environmental threats and the urgent need for economic diversification, the time has come to harness the potential of the blue economy to build a more resilient and prosperous Caribbean. During my recent studies, the term "blue economy" came up quite often. As I continue to grow in this field, I’m learning more and more about how crucial this concept is—not just for the Caribbean, but for the world. This is a term that carries significant promise for climate resilience, economic justice, and sustainable development. This week on Green Caribbean Chronicles , we dive into what the blue economy really means, why it matters to the Caribbean, and how island nations can tap into it while protecting their marine ecosystems.  What is the Blue Economy? The blue economy refers to the sustainable use ...

  In recent years, coastlines across the Caribbean have been blanketed with thick, brown seaweed known as sargassum . Once a relatively rare occurrence, sargassum influxes have now become an annual environmental and economic challenge for the region. This week on Green Caribbean Chronicles , we dive into the sargassum surge impacting our shores, explore its causes, examine its consequences, and most importantly, consider how we can turn this crisis into opportunity.  What is Sargassum? Sargassum is a free-floating brown alga found in the Atlantic Ocean. While it plays a vital role in marine ecosystems by providing habitat for fish and other organisms, its massive accumulations along Caribbean beaches are causing serious problems. These blooms are believed to be linked to a mix of factors: Nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff in the Amazon Basin, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus Rising sea surface temperatures due to climate change, which accelerate alg...