Climate activists from various Caribbean nations have come together to participate in a storytelling program aimed at highlighting shared experiences across the region and using storytelling as a powerful tool to promote climate solutions.

 

 

This innovative program included nine participants from Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Haiti, and Antigua and Barbuda. Throughout the program, participants created a series of impactful videos and blogs that document their personal experiences and the impacts of the climate crisis in their respective countries.

The climate stories cover a wide range of pressing issues for the Caribbean, such as extreme heat waves, pollution from a power plant in the Ozama river, climate anxiety, and the growing issue of sargassum on the region’s beaches. In addition to highlighting these challenges, the activists also shared the actions they are taking in their communities to combat the climate crisis.

For example, Princess Charles from Trinidad and Tobago spoke about her efforts to improve working conditions for laborers who face extreme heat and heavy rains caused by climate change. From Antigua and Barbuda, Genesis Whitlock highlighted her initiative to expand local agriculture as a response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. Karina Cortijo, from Puerto Rico, shared her perspective as an archaeologist, detailing the impact that hurricanes have had on archaeological sites.

Diara Springer from Barbados brought a cultural dimension to the program, discussing how climate change is affecting the festivals and carnivals that are so central to Caribbean identity. From Haiti, Jessy Alexander Becius shared an emotional video about his childhood in rural areas and the devastating effects of drought on families. In a heartfelt message, Jessy called for more people to join the movement, stating, “Join us so our voices are heard in support of these families who had no role in causing the climate crisis but are sadly and unjustly paying the consequences.”

All these stories are part of a climate storytelling series and can be found on the Caribbean Climate Network‘s social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Additionally, more information can be found on their website caribbeanclimatenetwork.org. The network is part of 350.org, a global organization fighting for climate justice.

These stories are part of an initiative titled ‘I Love the Caribbean’, which highlights the unique aspects of the region and the importance of protecting them in the face of the climate crisis.

The program has reinforced the power of storytelling to amplify Caribbean voices and raise awareness of the urgent need to combat climate change in the region.