Climate Crisis Impact on Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago, classified as one of the “frontline States” most affected by the climate emergency, faces severe consequences due to climate change. Youth activists in the country are at the forefront of demanding stronger action to combat the crisis, both locally and globally.
Vulnerability of Small Island Developing States
Small island developing States like Trinidad and Tobago are highly vulnerable to climate change effects such as rising sea levels, heavy rains leading to flooding, warming ocean temperatures impacting coral reefs and fishing, and frequent hurricanes causing destruction. These nations often struggle with fragile economies and lack resources to support their populations in coping with these challenges.
Youth-Led Climate Action
Amidst these uncertain conditions, many young individuals are advocating for urgent changes to secure a sustainable future. Youth around the world are taking the lead in organizing strikes, protests, and demonstrations while equipping themselves with the necessary skills to address climate issues.
Voices of Trinidad and Tobago’s Youth Activists
During a conversation at a coffee shop in Port of Spain, UN News spoke with prominent young environmental advocates from Trinidad and Tobago to understand their perspectives on the climate emergency and strategies for addressing it.
- Priyanka Lalla, a teenage climate activist and UNICEF youth advocate for the eastern Caribbean, represented Trinidad and Tobago at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.
- Joshua Prentice, a climate and ocean scientist, has collaborated with the United Nations on projects related to chemicals and waste.
- Zaafia Alexander, an 18-year-old founder of an NGO dedicated to raising awareness about the climate crisis and amplifying Caribbean youth voices internationally.
Driving Forces Behind Climate Advocacy
When asked about their motivations for advocating change, the young activists shared personal experiences and insights:
- Priyanka Lalla: Witnessing the devastation caused by natural disasters like Hurricane Maria fueled her commitment to individual and collective action to address climate change.
- Joshua Prentice: Emphasized the importance of youth inclusion in global discussions and decision-making processes to shape a sustainable future.
- Zaafia Alexander: Credited a passionate geography teacher for instilling the urgency of addressing climate change and highlighted the lack of youth representation in critical decisions.
Challenges in Youth Engagement
The activists acknowledged the barriers hindering youth involvement in climate advocacy:
- Insufficient education on climate issues in schools and communities.
- Lack of awareness among the population about the severity of the crisis.
- Limited understanding among farmers about the impact of climate change on agriculture.
Advocating for Legislative Changes
While recognizing the importance of legislative action to address the climate crisis, the activists highlighted the challenges and opportunities:
- Joshua Prentice stressed the need for public pressure to drive legislative updates and encouraged youth to engage with governmental ministries and NGOs for effective advocacy.
- Priyanka Lalla emphasized the collective responsibility of governments, policymakers, and citizens in addressing climate issues and promoting accountability.
Transitioning from Fossil Fuels
Considering Trinidad and Tobago’s reliance on oil reserves, the activists shared their perspectives on transitioning to sustainable energy sources:
- Joshua Prentice advocated for a gradual shift towards clean energy despite the country’s economic dependence on oil and gas.
- Priyanka Lalla emphasized the necessity of transitioning away from fossil fuels in the coming decades for the well-being of the population and the environment.
