Climate Change in the Eastern Caribbean

Climate Change in the Eastern Caribbean is a significant matter, affecting the region's ecosystems, economies, and societies. The Eastern Caribbean is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and changing weather patterns. These changes pose significant risks to the region's agricultural industries, tourism, and fisheries, among other sectors.

One of the most noticeable effects of climate change in the Eastern Caribbean is the rising sea level, which threatens both coastal communities and ecosystems. Increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storm surges, also pose significant risks to these communities.

Caribbean 1.5 to Stay Alive iconic poster by Artist Jonathon Gladding illustrated our fight in Paris in December 2015 to negotiate a strong, ambitious Paris Agreement. The portrait represents the Caribbean future the as a young girl with her body almost submerged in water.

 It pictures a young girl with her body almost entirely submerged by sea-level rise, and with her fingers sending the desperate message that she needs #1point5tostayalive.

Saint Lucian poet and playwright Kendel Hippolyte, who played a lead role in the campaign to secure the historic Paris Agreement in 2015, has called on Caribbean artists to add their voice to the call for decisive global action against climate change.

Jonathan Gladding's first 1.5 To Stay Alive painting became the iconic poster that symbolised our fight in Paris in December 2015 to negotiate a strong, ambitious Paris Agreement,” said Dr. James Fletcher of Saint Lucia, one of the key figures in the negotiation of that Agreement 6 years ago.

“This recent painting lets us know that our situation is grim - our sea levels are continuing to rise, while on land we are burning up. However, amidst the dark clouds of forest fires and severe hurricanes, there is still a promise of blue skies, brighter days, if we take urgent action. Thank you, Jonathan, for another priceless contribution to our fight against the existential threat of climate change.”

OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, reflecting on the two emotionally impactful paintings created by Gladding, observed that:

"The contrast between the two iconic images speaks viscerally to the grave deterioration of the climatic condition of the Earth and the exponentially greater dangers that urgently confront us."

The region's tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to its economy, is particularly vulnerable to the changes associated with climate change. Changes in weather patterns, such as increased rainfall or extreme heat, can negatively impact tourism activities. Sea level rise can cause beach erosion, making it more difficult to attract tourists.

Agriculture in the Eastern Caribbean is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns could decrease agricultural productivity, while increased temperatures may lead to soil degradation and water scarcity. Agriculture in the Eastern Caribbean is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns can decrease agricultural productivity, while increased temperatures may lead to soil degradation and water scarcity.

In response to these challenges, many countries in the Eastern Caribbean have implemented policies and programs to lessen the impacts of climate change. For example, several countries have established renewable energy targets and are investing in solar and wind energy projects. Governments and organizations have also implemented measures to improve disaster preparedness, including early warning systems, evacuation plans, and emergency response training.

Ultimately, addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the Eastern Caribbean requires both local and global action. The region needs support from the international community to mitigate the effects of climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy. At the same time, the OECS must continue to develop creative and innovative solutions to address the impacts of climate change, ensuring the long-term sustainability of its communities and economies.