Press Release

The Caribbean joins global week of action “¡Draw the Line!”, demanding a shift to clean and just energy

The global week of action ¡Draw the Line!, a movement that brought together people in 97 countries, demanded an end to fossil fuel dependency and to push for a just transition to clean energy. Caribbean activists organized various events in the region, demanding action and calling for attention to local climate issues.

In Puerto Rico, the gathering at Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas brought together students, retirees, activists, and community members who participated in activities that encouraged reflection on the impacts of the climate and energy crisis on daily life and highlighted the urgent need for local energy models that respect communities and workers.

The event featured the participation of representatives of Somos el Cambio PR, and grassroots organizers from 350.org, a global climate justice organization. Speakers emphasized how Puerto Rico has the potential to lead as an example of just transition in the Caribbean, just like the example that Casa Pueblo is leading to transform the energy grid in Adjuntas.

“We are calling for action because Puerto Rico has a unique potential for accessible renewable energy and an urgent need for government measures to protect us from disasters,” said Amira Odeh Quiñones, Caribbean Regional Director for 350.org. “On the 8th anniversary of Hurricane Maria, it is clear that we cannot wait until the next disaster to decide what to do. We must act now to ensure access to energy, water, and communication systems that will save lives.”

The mobilization in Puerto Rico was part of a wave of actions across the Caribbean:

• In Jamaica, a gathering in a local school highlighted the impact of extreme heat on students and workers.

• In Trinidad and Tobago, activists organized a beach event combined with a community tea party, featuring local herbs threatened by climate change. “We cannot wait until we are all submerged in hot waters, like the tea we shared today, to take climate action. We want action now,” said activist Katrina Khan-Roberts.

• In Haiti, people joined a community workshop demanding stronger climate action in the face of overlapping political and environmental instability.
  

This collective effort comes at a decisive moment: world leaders will meet in just a few weeks at COP30 in Brazil, while climate commitments remain weak and fossil fuel corporations expand their influence. Communities across the Caribbean and around the world are demanding urgent decisions and actions to protect their lives, lands, and cultures.

Through this mobilization, Caribbean voices joined a powerful global call in defense of life and the right to a shared future.

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