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...

  🌀 Preparing the Caribbean for Hurricane Season: Strengthening Our Homes and Communities As the warmth of summer approaches, so does a stark reminder for Caribbean communities: hurricane season . Running from June 1st to November 30th , the Atlantic hurricane season brings with it the potential for powerful storms, flooding, and destruction. For island nations already on the frontlines of climate change, preparation is not just a precaution — it’s a necessity. Whether you live in Saint Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, or any other island across the Caribbean Sea, preparing your home and community for the upcoming season can protect lives, reduce damage, and build long-term resilience. Understanding the Risk Caribbean nations are no strangers to the devastating impacts of hurricanes. In recent years, we’ve witnessed more frequent and intense storms , rising sea levels, and erratic weather patterns — all consequences of our changing climate. These storms not only threaten infrastruct...

  🌍 From Brooklyn to the Caribbean: The Environment, Our Children, and the Urgency of Now Growing up in the 90's in the Caribbean, Captain Planet and the Planeteers wasn’t just Saturday morning entertainment, it was a call to action. The show taught us that “the power is yours,” a powerful reminder that individuals, communities, and especially young people can be agents of environmental change. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how those animated lessons would shape my future. But now, with years of experience in child protection and a Master’s in Energy and Environmental Management, I see clearly that protecting the environment is protecting our children. 🧾 Lessons from Brooklyn During my practicum in Brooklyn, I examined the intersection of environmental degradation and child protection. What became evident was those environmental factors such as pollution, lack of green spaces, and exposure to climate-related disasters, don’t just harm ecosystems; they harm chi...

  A Tribute to Leadership, Justice, and Urgency In the realm of climate diplomacy, few voices resonate as powerfully as that of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados. Her unwavering commitment to environmental justice has not only elevated the Caribbean's stance on the global stage but has also galvanized action and awareness worldwide. 🌍 Global Advocate for Climate Justice In 2021, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) honored Prime Minister Mottley with the Champions of the Earth Award for Policy Leadership, recognizing her as a "powerful voice for a sustainable world from the Global South." Her impassioned speeches at international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, have spotlighted the existential threats faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) due to climate change. Inger Andersen, UNEP's Executive Director, lauded her efforts, stating: "Prime Minister Mottley has been a champion for those who are most vulnerabl...

A Personal Reflection on Progress, Pride, and Purpose When I think of home, two islands come to mind: Saint Lucia, where I was born, and Barbados, the island that became my second home. Barbados holds a special place in my heart not only for its beaches, culture, and people but for the visionary path it’s taking toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient future. In many ways, this small island is leading a big movement. Barbados: Small Island, Bold Steps Barbados is proving that size does not limit ambition. As climate change continues to threaten island nations, Barbados is stepping up in ways that are inspiring the region and the world. What stands out to me most is the seriousness with which sustainability is being approached—not as a trend, but as a necessity, and a national priority. Barbados is investing in: Renewable energy, including solar and wind Sustainable agriculture practices to enhance food security Electric vehicle infrastructure to reduce emissions ...