Environmental Justice in the Caribbean: Why it Matters

The Caribbean, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultures, and biodiversity, is now grappling with more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and changing weather patterns—all exacerbated by climate change. While Caribbean countries have contributed a negligible amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, they bear a disproportionate burden of devastating impacts from climate change. Focusing on this region is crucial for global climate justice. Let’s explore the critical state of the Caribbean environment, taking into consideration socio-economic inequities rooted in a colonial past, and identify potential leverage points for climate change mitigation.

Climate in the Caribbean Today:

Rising Temperatures

According to the State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean 2022 report, temperatures in the region have warmed at an unprecedented rate of 0.2°C per decade over the past 30 years, a trend that is the highest on record since measurements began in 1900. These rising temperatures have a ripple effect, impacting agriculture, health, and straining energy systems and water resources.

Extreme Weather Events

The Caribbean is exceptionally vulnerable to extreme weather events, with many countries experiencing devastating hurricanes, droughts, and floods. In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria wrought significant damage, a trend likely to increase due to climate change.

Sea Level Rise

Sea levels have risen at a rate of about 2 to 4 cm per decade over the past 33 years, posing severe threats to coastal communities dependent on tourism and agriculture. Rising water levels also threaten freshwater resources and local ecosystems. With stronger waves and higher storm surges, coastal erosion and flooding are set to become the new normal.

Social and Economic Vulnerabilities

The adverse effects of climate change are disproportionately felt by marginalized communities in the region, a symptom of underlying colonial, extractive, and exploitative relationships. These vulnerable populations include low-income and BIPOC communities, as well as women and gender-diverse individuals, who already experience social and economic inequities that are exacerbated by climate change. The consequences of climate change—ranging from increased domestic violence in the aftermath of disasters to economic dependency—disproportionately affect women. An integrated approach that addresses these overlapping vulnerabilities is essential for lasting change.

Why Focus on the Caribbean?

As Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley articulated, the Caribbean has already paid a heavy price for the industrialization of the developed world; they should not have to bear the cost of the resulting climate impacts as well. This ethical dimension adds to the urgent need for immediate climate action. The Caribbean region plays an essential role in global food production and ecosystem services. The agricultural sector is critical not just for local economies but for global food security. Further, the region’s biodiversity is vital for the planet’s ecological balance. If climate change goes unaddressed, it could inflict an annual loss of US$22 billion by 2050 to the Caribbean—equivalent to 10% of the region’s current GDP, highlighting the cost of inaction.

What Can be Done?

• Renewable Energy TransitionThe Caribbean faces some of the highest energy costs globally, primarily due to fossil fuel imports. A shift towards renewable energy—especially solar and wind—can reduce costs and contribute to mitigation efforts and reduce the regions’ vulnerability to fossil fuel price variability.
• Nature-Based SolutionsFocus on regenerative farming, permaculture, and the restoration of natural landscapes like mangroves can serve as effective carbon capture methods and protect coastal communities from storm surges.
• Community and Stakeholder EngagementGrassroots movements, often led by women and other marginalized communities, have shown promising potential in leveraging traditional knowledge for climate action. Ensuring these communities have the agency and governmental support to undertake such initiatives is crucial for effective and equitable climate solutions.

The Caribbean stands at a crossroads. The region faces a unique blend of environmental vulnerabilities and social inequities that make the fight against climate change especially urgent. With the effects of climate change mounting, the time for decisive action is now. It’s not only an imperative driven by the ethics of climate justice but also a necessity for global sustainability.

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