Much has been said and written about the effects of climate change on small island developing countries such as Saint Lucia. While tiny developing countries’ greenhouse gas emissions have little impact on the global climate, they are the ones that stand to lose the most from sea level rise and the effects it has on coastal communities. Increasing rain events such as hurricanes, tropical storms that continue to intensify, storm surges, and heavy downpours in small communities that threaten lives and property, such as what Saint Lucians experienced in the island’s north in November 2022, are all terrifying events that can deal serious economic blows to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) while also endangering their people and cultures.
Not surprisingly, SIDS have been loud in raising awareness of the dangers posed by climate change; their lobbying for global cooperation on climate change mitigation, however, has not been as successful as anticipated.
We believe that the SIDS should embark on a programme to implement climate change adaptation measures themselves this year, rather than wait for large and developed countries that emit greenhouse gases to provide them with the necessary resources.
For this reason, we are focussing on Saint Lucia, which has stunning landscapes and a thriving culture but also faces the looming threat of climate change. The island’s location in the hurricane zone and periodic seismic disturbances highlight the critical need for a strong, forward-thinking approach to climate resilience.
We say to the Saint Lucia government, “It is time to seriously focus on strengthening the island’s infrastructure including the resilience of its buildings.”
Hurricanes and earthquakes are unpredictable, but our preparedness does not have to be. It is time to invest in improving our infrastructure to resist the effects of harsh weather and seismic activity. This includes strengthening structures to meet international safety standards and developing hurricane-resistant shelters. Furthermore, creating and publishing as widely as possible a comprehensive disaster management strategy, replete with evacuation routes and emergency response tactics, is critical.
Climate resilience is fundamentally linked to sustainable development. It is time to prioritise renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels. By applying environmentally friendly methods in agriculture, tourism, and construction, we may reduce environmental degradation and strengthen our natural defences against climate-related disasters.
Let us not forget that our lush rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves play an important role in keeping the island safe from the consequences of climate change. These natural barriers absorb storm surges, slow coastal erosion, and promote biodiversity. These ecosystems must be protected and restored by conservation activities and replanting projects. As a result, greater effort should be directed towards encouraging communities to participate in these activities to promote a sense of stewardship and community responsibility.
This implies that the public must be educated about climate change and disaster preparedness. This is crucial. It is critical to launch awareness programmes that educate residents about the risks and encourage precautionary measures. Schools can incorporate climate education into their curricula, providing the future generation with the information and skills needed to address environmental concerns. Collaboration with local media, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international organisations can help to highlight these efforts and achieve genuine change.
However, while we urge the Saint Lucian government to begin implementing measures to protect the country from the risks posed by climate change, we recognise that addressing climate change requires outside assistance; thus, the government should actively participate in international climate forums and advocate for funding and technical support. Strengthening ties with regional neighbours and global allies can help to share resources, information, and best practices. Saint Lucia can strengthen its ability to adapt and respond to climate-related hazards by harnessing international assistance and knowledge.
The main issue here is to protect not only Saint Lucia but the world from the hazards of climate change. We think that by adopting bold and aggressive initiatives, Saint Lucia can preserve its people, heritage, and natural beauty for future generations. The task may appear overwhelming, but we should remember, that the longest journey starts with the first step.