Growing up in the eastern countryside of Trinidad, nestled within the vibrant twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, I was constantly surrounded by the natural beauty of the Caribbean. My memories are filled with lush forests, serene beaches, fishing boats, festivals, food and the rhythm of island life. There’s an enchanting magic in this region, from picking mangoes in the neighbour’s yard to being chased by the neighbour’s dog.
There is never a lack of entertainment; from the calming sounds of the waves, to the energetic sounds of the rainforest that can seem like a howler monkey or a kiskadee is sitting on your rooftop, and the warmth of the community where neighbours help each other, celebrate together, and a plate of food is always seconds away (and it is within your best interest to not refuse that plate of food). It is here I learnt to embrace life’s simplicity. However, as climate change increasingly disrupts our world, the Caribbean’s unique landscape and people face increased threat, and these challenges have distinct implications for women and gender equality.
The Vulnerability of the Caribbean to Climate Change
The Caribbean, with its rich history, biodiversity and reliance on natural resources, is especially vulnerable to climate change. We are regularly battered by hurricanes, flooding, and rising sea levels that threaten our coastlines and communities. Most of us living in rural coastline communities learned to coexist with the natural cycles of the island, but these cycles have become increasingly unpredictable, severe and life threatening. Living in a rural area, I saw firsthand how our livelihoods, fishing, farming, and tourism are all connected to nature. Climate change has amplified the challenges faced by those particularly in smaller, close-knit villages like Matelot, Toco, San Souci, Salybia, Matura and Manzanilla. It’s the everyday people, often with limited means to respond to natural disasters, who are most affected.
Gendered Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change does not affect everyone equally. Across the globe, and in the Caribbean, the burdens of climate change are disproportionately borne by women, particularly those living in poverty. Women’s reliance on natural resources, their roles within families, and their responsibilities in communities make them more vulnerable to climate disruptions. Imagine a mother in rural Trinidad, managing both her family’s livelihood and her home, forced to contend with flooding, crop loss, and food insecurity. For Caribbean Mothers, climate change isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a crisis that endangers her family’s well being and limits her opportunities for empowerment.
Globally, women make up a majority of the poor, and in our rural communities, poverty deepens the impacts of climate change. With limited economic resources, women often struggle to rebuild homes or recover after disasters. And because women are underrepresented in decision-making roles and labor markets, they face further challenges in participating fully in climate-related policy making and planning. This inequality hinders not only their potential contributions to climate solutions but also reduces the effectiveness of policies that often fail to address the unique needs of women.
Women’s Essential Role in Addressing Climate Change
Yet, women in Trinidad, like myself and across the Caribbean are not merely passive victims of climate change. Women play essential roles in advocating for sustainable practices, utilising local knowledge, and leading community initiatives. My grandfather was a gardener and living in his garden played a significant role in my love for nature. However, in my household, along with other rural households, women are the stewards of natural resources, practicing sustainable agriculture, conserving water, and managing food waste. These tasks to some may seem simple but in reality these practices give women unique insights into sustainable resource management, insights that are crucial for climate adaptation and resilience.
When women are given opportunities to participate in climate decision-making, we see better outcomes and more inclusive, sustainable solutions. Women’s leadership in climate projects often results in more resilient communities and more effective environmental policies. Their perspectives and priorities bring a deeper responsiveness to community needs, enhancing cooperation across social lines and fostering sustainable development. Women’s voices, when included, can transform climate action from isolated policies into comprehensive, community-centered approaches.
The Imperative of Gender-Responsive Climate Policies
International frameworks, like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, have emphasized the importance of gender equality in climate policy. These agreements recognize that climate action cannot succeed without the meaningful participation of women. Gender-responsive policies are not just about fairness; they are essential for effective climate adaptation and resilience. Excluding women from climate solutions is a missed opportunity and, worse, risks deepening existing inequalities.
In Trinidad and Tobago, efforts to include women in climate planning and action can help address both the environmental and social challenges we face. By ensuring that women are empowered to participate fully in climate policy, we can create a future that values local knowledge, respects diverse perspectives, and ensures that climate solutions benefit everyone.
A Call to Action for My Caribbean Home
As I reflect on my love for the Caribbean, I am filled with pride and nostalgia. But I am also aware of the urgent need for change. My dream for the Caribbean is one where we protect our natural beauty and empower all members of our society to contribute to this protection. We need to address climate change in ways that embrace gender equity, ensuring that the resilience of our islands is built on the strength, knowledge, and participation of everyone, especially women.
The Caribbean is worth preserving. Trinidad and Tobago is worth preserving. We are definitely two peas in a pod and two hearts that beat as one. Two islands, one nation. Our differences make us unique. Trinidad’s lush rainforest with over hundreds of species of plants and animals, the pitch lake and our sister isle Tobago with the largest brain coral in the world. Blue oceans and the combination of biodiversity between both islands are truly magical. Like I said earlier, growing up in the rural part of Trinidad can be magical.
Therefore our efforts to combat climate change must be inclusive, transformative, and sustainable. Women have always been pillars throughout history, whether it be winning wars or building our community. Now let’s make sure they are pillars in our fight for a resilient, thriving Caribbean.