“But the Climate Always Changes…” — A Personal Reflection on Climate Change, Confusion, and Urgency

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 including family, friends, even colleagues, who either don’t believe it’s real or don’t fully understand what it is. I’ve heard things like:

"The weather always changing."
"It used to be hotter back in my day."
"That’s just nature doing its thing."

And I get it. I really do. The term climate change can feel so distant and political at times, especially when you’re just trying to live day-to-day. Climate change can sound like a “foreign” problem, or something for politicians and scientists to worry about. However, it’s happening right here at home in the Caribbean. So, let me try to break it down in simple, relatable terms.

🌦️ Weather vs. Climate: Clearing Up the Confusion

Let’s start with the basics:

  • Weather is what we see every day—sun, rain, heat, wind.

  • Climate is the average of those conditions over 30+ years.

So yes, weather can change every day. I look at it this way, climate is like the personality of a place, while weather is its mood. 

🌡️ So, what is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to consistent and abnormal changes in those long-term patterns, driven largely by human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) that release greenhouse gases.  These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere like a blanket, making the planet warmer over time. And while the Earth has had natural climate cycles before, what we’re seeing now is happening faster and more intensely than ever. 

This is not something that’s “on the way.” We are already living through it:

  • More intense hurricanes

  • Higher average temperatures

  • Rising sea levels

  • Coral reefs dying off from warming seas

  • Prolonged droughts

  • More cases of asthma and heat-related illness in children

  • Disruptions in agriculture, fishing, and coastal livelihoods

Let’s be honest, Caribbean nations may not be the biggest contributors to climate change, but some of our habits do add to the problem. Things like improper waste disposal, over-dependence on imported fossil fuels, deforestation, and reliance on single-use plastics all play a role.

We need to own that, educate ourselves, and start teaching our youth and communities how small changes can make a big difference.

Other Islands Are Already Disappearing

Some of our neighbors in the Pacific, like Kiribati, Tuvalu, and parts of the Solomon Islands—are literally being swallowed by the sea. Whole communities are relocating. If you think that can’t happen to the Caribbean…... well think again.

From low-lying areas in the Bahamas to coastlines in Saint Lucia and Dominica, we are just as vulnerable.

Understanding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals—a roadmap for peace, prosperity, and a healthier planet by 2030. These goals aren’t just for politicians. They’re for all of us.

Here are just a few that directly relate to climate change and our future in the Caribbean:

  • Goal 3: Good Health & Well-Being – Fighting the effects of pollution, heat, and disease.

  • Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation – Protecting our freshwater sources.

  • Goal 7: Affordable & Clean Energy – Transitioning to renewables like solar and geothermal.

  • Goal 13: Climate Action – Urging us to adapt, build resilience, and reduce emissions.

  • Goal 14: Life Below Water – Protecting marine ecosystems from plastic pollution and acidification.

  • Goal 15: Life on Land – Conserving forests, wetlands, and biodiversity.

Learn more about all 17 goals here: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Caribbean Efforts Are Underway… But We Need More

Some islands are already making strides:

  • Barbados is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030.

  • Dominica is rebuilding as the first "climate-resilient nation" in the world.

  • Saint Lucia is advancing geothermal exploration to reduce fossil fuel dependence.

But this is not just about policy, it’s about people. And people need clear, relatable education and support to act.

A Project in the Making

I’m currently brainstorming and laying the groundwork for a regional project, one that is realistic, engaging, and scalable across multiple islands, to help drive awareness, education, and climate solutions in our communities.

Because we can’t wait for a big hero to come save us. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

💬 Final Thoughts

To anyone reading this who doesn’t believe in climate change, I challenge you: look around. Think back 10 years ago. Are our seasons the same? Are our coastlines still intact? Are our food systems and weather patterns stable?

To those who didn’t understand what climate change meant—I hope this gives you a clearer picture, because we need all hands-on deck.

Simple everyday actions can create lasting impact:

♻️ Start recycling and separating your waste
🛍️ Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers
🚶🏾‍♀️ Take public transportation, walk, or carpool when possible
💡 Switch to energy-efficient bulbs and appliances
🌱 Support local farmers and buy sustainably
🚿 Conserve water and fix leaks promptly
🧼 Choose non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products

These small steps, when done collectively, lead to big results.

Let’s take responsibility, inspire our families, and lead by example. Because as the great Captain Planet once said:

“The power is yours.”

This is not about fear. It’s about hope, action, and legacy. What kind of Caribbean do we want to leave for our children? One drowning in plastic and seawater, or one that thrives in balance with nature?

Let’s choose wisely. Let’s choose together.

With heart and hope,
Z. Charles
Founder, Green Caribbean Chronicles
📘 Facebook: Green Caribbean Chronicles
🌐 Blog: https://greencaribbeanchronicles.blogspot.com
💼 LinkedIn: Zilim Charles

📚 References:

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