As we end another year of collective activism, let’s take a moment to reflect on the things we achieved together in 2023. At a time when the world seems to be in chaos and our leaders continue to sideline our wellbeing, finding things to celebrate can feel like a heavy task.
What makes you feel hopeful during this time? For us, seeing the strength and determination of people across the region gives us hope. We are still on the frontlines, continuing to stand up against the fossil fuel industry, and despite facing challenges, we are championing community-based solutions right here in the Caribbean.
Your contributions this year have made our movement stronger. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in 2024.
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What We Did
Caribbean Activists Powered Up for Climate Solutions
In November, over 1,400 community members took action in various Caribbean nations as part of Power Up, a Global Month of Action calling for a renewable energy transition.
As fossil fuel companies published another round of billion-dollar profits, people took to the streets to spotlight the industry’s greed and reclaim the money and power to fund a just future powered by the sun and the wind.
In the Caribbean, 8 actions were held in 7 countries, including Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Guyana, Grenada, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago. Activists hosted workshops, discussions, exhibitions, and marches calling on their leaders to transition away from harmful fossil fuels and fund just and sustainable renewable energy for all to keep our region safe.
We took this call to COP28 where world leaders committed to tripling renewable energy by 2030, and over 200 countries signed a historic international agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. Our work is far from over, but it is an important step to the right direction.
You made this possible. Watch the video to learn more about our Power Up actions that happened in the Caribbean.
Capacity Building Opportunities
This year we were able to provide training for approximately 50 persons on topics such as project management, fundraising, digital organizing, video storytelling and other skills community leaders need to develop and implement projects in their countries. Thank you for learning with us!
You can review these trainings at any time on our YouTube channel.
Photo Petition Launch on Earth Day
In April, we took to social media to let our Caribbean leaders know that we care about the climate crisis. We gathered in public spaces, homes and Earth Day celebrations to take photos with signs calling for urgent climate adaptation measures, united by the message, ‘Adapt Now to Save Lives’. We then tagged our leaders across 7 countries on social media to make sure they hear our demands.
We continued to call for urgent adaptation measures for our communities throughout the year and will not stop in 2024.
Blog Posts
We shared our thoughts and hopes in monthly blog posts. Read our recent blogs:
Local Group Highlights
Anthology Publication
The Trinidad and Tobago Climate Network launched its first publication in November. The publication – Perspectives of Trinidad and Tobago on the Just Transition – is an Anthology of artistic and literary pieces shared by citizens of the island expressing their vision for a just transition. This Anthology was published as part of the group’s activities for Power Up and is available for purchase on Amazon.
Each purchase helps to support climate adaptation initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago.
Free Teacher’s Training Workshop in Jamaica
Plakortis, our local group in Jamaica, is leading a Teacher’s Training on Climate Change in February 2024. This free training will help teachers engage students and partners more efficiently and lead the design and implementation of climate action within their schools and communities. Sign up today and save your space.
Use Your Power
Tell Caribbean Leaders to Adapt Now to Save Lives
We’re at 650 signatures! Help us get to 1,000. Sign the petition to ask Caribbean leaders to invest in clean, renewable energy systems.
That’s it for this month’s edition of the #AdaptNow Newsletter. Happy holidays!