Why Youth Leadership in Climate Change is Critical For Building Resilience in the Caribbean Region

by Gabrielle Robinson & Emmana Jeffers

Climate Change is no longer a looming threat; it is now a reality that is manifested through increasing severity of hurricanes, storms, droughts, and unpredictability of weather patterns. In the push for resilience in the Caribbean Region, it is essential to place the youth at the centre of the decision-making process. The Caribbean, composed of relatively young states with fragile economies, is still shaping its development to suit the realities of small island developing states. The region is confronting the challenging reality of loss and damage, that climate change necessitates ongoing re-evaluation and adaptation of evolving strategies.

Loss and damage, both physical and non-physical impacts of climate change, highlight the disparity between the region’s minimal contribution to greenhouse gases and the severe consequences it faces. This injustice is compounded by the historical events of slavery and colonialism that have shaped the socio-economic environment of these nations. Thus, to create livable countries for generations to come, leaders must now revolutionise their approaches to resilience and sustainability by integrating economic, infrastructural, and social resilience. Most importantly, the youth must be involved and take hold of opportunities as they are most affected by the problem and are pivotal to the solutions in ensuring sustainability.

Resilience in Context

Located in the tropical region, and in the middle of the hurricane belt, the geographic location of the Caribbean poses specific challenges and vulnerabilities to natural disasters. In the age where the threat of intense hurricanes and rising sea levels have become a norm for Caribbean citizens, the term ‘resilience’ is heard in every development conversation. The Caribbean boasts of becoming the first climate resilient region in the world, but what does that really mean? Resilience describes how well a people are prepared to recover from climate hazards such as hurricanes, drought and temperature extremes. Thus, climate resilience is a top priority for governments across the region.

Barbados and Dominica, for example, have taken significant steps to enhance their systems and infrastructure to withstand natural disasters. The Bridgetown Initiative, the Caribbean Digitization Project and CARICOM’s “25 by 25” plan – along with disaster management efforts by agencies such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) – are vital in strengthening regional cooperation and resilience. Economic, social, and infrastructural resilience, with climate mitigation action and sustainable (development) practises collectively contribute to creating the ideal climate resilient nation. It requires a unified approach to the development of multiple sectors, including health, education, culture, agriculture and business.

A key aspect of climate resilience is creating an economy with the financial stability to invest in adaptable infrastructure and recovery efforts. Diversifying the economy and creating sustainable measures across various sectors are essential. The circular approach to development mitigates the economic impacts of climate events and supports long term planning. Infrastructural resilience, including the design and maintenance of buildings, utilities and roads, is equally important. This involves strict building codes, weather-resistant materials and efficient low carbon strategies such as proper drainage and coastal defences. Social resilience, through capacity building, education and youth engagement, is crucial in supporting both infrastructure and economic resilience, ultimately fostering comprehensive climate resilience. Youth involvement introduces innovative solutions and fresh perspectives to the climate conversation, making it a vital component to the resilience building process.

The Role of Youth in Resilience

Continuity and succession are vital for resilience; without them, plans to build a safe and livable society for future generations are null. In the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), youth are defined as persons under the age 30. Youth leadership in resilience, therefore, means that individuals within this age range must be actively involved and take the initiative in various areas of resilience across different sectors of nation-building. This is necessary not only for the sake of inclusion or to tick checkboxes for funding purposes, but also for the sustainable action of climate resilience in the region.

Currently, from the impact of natural disasters, Caribbean countries face loss and damage that is estimated to cost governments over 1.5 billion dollars up until 2050. Moreover, one of the critical aspects of loss and damage is its disproportionate effect on the most vulnerable populations, including the youth. According to UNICEF, more than three-quarters of children were displaced following Hurricane Maria in 2017. This can significantly affect the mental and physical health of young people and decrease countries’ young populations. Over the next five years, the Caribbean aims to achieve milestones that will strengthen food security, reduce reliance on fossil fuel and overall build more modern and progressive societies that are self-reliant.

As highlighted in Building a Caribbean Pathway for Disaster Resilience in the CARICOM, resilience should target the human resource for change as it also involves human behaviour. Undeniably, targeting the youth and equipping them with the skills to lead in various sectors of society and government is paramount for achieving these goals, ensuring self-sufficiency,

and promoting overall economic and social well-being. Also, succession planning and mentorship is key, as positive traditional methods should not be forgotten but be used to inform and create innovative methods of resilience. Youth leaders must be able to start knowledgeable conversations and initiate informed changes at technological, political, and social levels. In turn, this will materialise into innovations across sectors and create progressive outcomes that inspire and motivate youth, helping to retain the young populations essential for resilience. However, this can only persist if young people are given the space, knowledge and tools to not only participate but also to help sketch out their own pathway for the future that they will actively shape.

Opportunities for Youth Engagement in Climate Resilience

Though it may be overlooked, there are many opportunities for youth engagement in climate resilience on all fronts. For instance, organisations like the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network (CYEN) have been instrumental since 1993 in providing young people with opportunities to be key stakeholders and actively participate in the region’s fight against climate change. In fact, the CYEN chapters in various islands have led and initiated major research and activities. Additionally, since 2009, CYEN has sent a delegation of Caribbean youths to various UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties (COPs).

This exposure has raised awareness among young people about global climate policies and negotiations. As a result, many of these youth delegates have become climate leaders in the region, contributing significantly to the Caribbean’s move towards resilience today. Their participation has not only enhanced their understanding and advocacy skills but also fostered a generation of informed and motivated individuals dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and driving climate action across the Caribbean. Notably, the CYEN has sent youth leaders to speak on behalf of the region about the environmental, social and infrastructural impacts of climate change.

This engagement should be recognized as a form of resilience, as young people are being given the exposure through this organisation to become the next generation of leaders in climate change. International organisations such as the United Nations, UReport and NGOs such as The Clara Lionel Foundation, The HEY Campaign, Youth IRIE, and many others have also been instrumental in giving youth the tools and exposure to initiate projects and speak on behalf of their countries and Region.

Nevertheless, these opportunities are often unknown to young people who are interested. There is also the challenge of ensuring genuine interest and active engagement from young people, as well as governments taking a serious interest in partnering with youth who show genuine dedication. In the Caribbean, a collective agreement among governments, regional institutions, and NGOs is essential to place youth engagement and collaboration front and centre, encouraging active participation in the move towards resilience.

Conclusion

While resilience in the Caribbean region is multifaceted, it requires more than infrastructural stability and constructing robust buildings – it also depends on empowering youth to actively participate in shaping sustainable solutions.True resilience surpasses environmental protection, but lies in the ability to create systems that can withstand, and bounce back from natural disasters. It involves a cohesive structure that ensures every sector– health, agriculture, culture and creative arts, business development, and more – can recover from natural disasters and mitigate the risks associated with climate change. This means

implementing policies that integrate youth to promote sustainable agricultural practices, investment in renewable energy, fostering community engagement and ensuring access to quality healthcare and education. It is important to promote a collective effort in building resilience. Local communities must create inclusive spaces, where youth have the opportunity to engage and get involved in climate action. Governments need to prioritise the development of succession plans, where progress and development is continuous throughout generations, ensuring engagement of future leaders and decision makers. It is frequently overlooked how imperative it is for the youth to create opportunities for themselves. While it is important to take hold of the opportunities put in place for them, young people must take initiative and actively create avenues for further participation and leadership. All in all, resilience is a necessity, therefore, measures must be put in place that ensures its continuity and sustainability for generations to come.

Gabrielle Robinson and Emmana Jeffers are climate action advocates from the Caribbean nation of Domincia. Gabrielle is an Environmental Engineering student with a passion for climate action and sustainability in the Caribbean, while Emmana is a youth leader and advocate with academic and professional foundations in economics, international relations, and trade policy. Emmana combines her expertise in international development with over four years of experience championing climate action at national and regional levels.