-Derval Barzey
To be Caribbean connects you – whether physically or by bonds that transcend space and time – to one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. The very essence of Caribbean life, livelihoods, heritage, health, safety, and stability is threatened by the climate crisis.
Man-made climate change has been proven by scientific data. Warming of the atmosphere, oceans and, land is directly correlated to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Historically, these emissions have emanated from industrial processes, agriculture, transportation, and energy production in industrialized nations.
Still, the fallout is uneven. Confirmed impacts of increased global temperatures include sea level rise, coastal erosion, ocean acidification and extreme weather events. Do the names Dorian, Maria, and Irma ring a bell? These are the names of catastrophic category five hurricanes that have ravaged the region since 2017. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Caribbean countries have not contributed in any significant way to these emissions, which have already warmed the planet by approximately one degree celsius since pre-industrial times.
Under the Paris Agreement, nations have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to collectively limit warming to below the 1.5°C threshold. To achieve these objectives, world leaders, civil society and private sector organizations assemble annually to negotiate actions. The most recent assembly produced the Loss and Damage fund. This is viewed as a victory for SIDS, but the operational arrangements are still to be worked out.
But, the question is: Can the Caribbean wait?
Caribbean leaders continue to challenge the global community to be accountable for their contributions to global climate change, and to honor their pledges of financial support to the countries of the Global South struggling to give their citizens a fighting chance. In the words of Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, “The Global South remains at the mercy of the Global North on these issues.” This is a snapshot of the issue of Climate [in]Justice that the Caribbean faces.
One thing about the climate crisis is that it amplifies existing inequalities. This is seen in the disparity between the countries of the Global North and the Global South. But, the disparities run deeper. Our best efforts towards improving the region’s capacity to withstand the impact of climate change will all be in vain if they do not prioritize inclusion and equity. The Climate Crisis is not gender-neutral. Simply put, our women and girls are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.
Women and girls are placed at a disadvantage due to social and cultural norms, the unequal share of responsibilities, and the lack of acknowledgement of unpaid labor in the home, for example.
What would the Caribbean look like if the needs of our women and girls are addressed?
Women, men, youth and indigenous people came together to answer this question. In 2022, the inaugural Caribbean Women for Climate Justice (CW4CJ) conference created a space for plain talk about the issues of climate resilience and hurdles still being faced by women and girls in the Caribbean.
CW4CJ was conceptualized as a forum to inspire mindful discussion and action on the intersection of gender inclusivity and climate action. It was an emotional experience, in a way cathartic, as we collectively acknowledged the legacy of colonization and systemic oppression of people and the environment, for economic gain. This existential threat can be traced to injustices and the exploitation of people and resources. In order to move forward, it is necessary to dismantle this model of development in favor of one that is equitable, sustainable and resilient.
The theme for Earth Day 2022 was ‘Invest in Our Planet.’ At the conference, we saw it fit to examine this through a gender-sensitive lens, expanding the theme to ‘Invest in our Women, Invest in our Planet.’ The integration of gender equality will help us achieve that resilient and sustainable future we envision for the Caribbean. CW4CJ also explored critical themes of:
- Human Rights and Climate Justice – the connection between climate justice and all other forms of injustice.
- Climate Resilient Communities and Economies – the relationship between various sectors within the Caribbean – the church, tourism, carnival and built environment, and climate change.
- Planning for a Just Future – identifying areas of focus for building resilience, including education, health, home assistance, mental health and the importance of allocating resources to where it matters most.
Laughter, tears, disappointment, frustration, and hope, were some of the emotions experienced and expressed at the virtual gathering of the region and the diaspora.
For many, CW4CJ reaffirmed the hope that as a region we can in fact meet the challenge of the climate crisis. We came away feeling inspired and energized to continue the work, pursuing climate resilience and gender equality for the Caribbean.
Caribbean activists, advocates, professionals and creators not only acknowledged the challenges, but offered clear solutions and solid strategies for advancing the gender equality and climate justice agenda in the Caribbean. The forum highlighted some of the work being pursued in and around the region. The discussions brought out recommended actions to close the gaps in gender equality, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Climate and Gender justice is not anti-development. It is development that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable. As we push for effective action on climate change, we must ensure our women and girls are not left behind. This means providing access to resources and involvement in decision-making processes. This looks like more women in positions of influence. It is seen in our disaster recovery measures catering to the reproductive health of women and girls.
As Earth Day 2023 approaches, I reflect on CW4CJ’s evolution from forum to movement. CW4CJ was the seed of alliance-building for collective action. We continue to engage with stakeholders such as the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, to present a better model of development, challenging policymakers and decision-makers to adopt a gender-sensitive approach to climate action. The work of Caribbean Women for Climate Justice continues.
CW4CJ was co-founded by Derval Barzey, founder of The Climate Conscious Podcast and Christine Samwaroo, founder and Managing Director of The Breadfruit Collective, two Caribbean women committed to gender and environment.
