In Small Island Developing States, such as those vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like rising sea levels, heavy rains causing flooding, and frequent hurricanes, many young people are taking action for urgent changes. They’re leading strikes, protests, and demonstrations globally, gaining skills to find solutions.
In Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, UN News spoke with leading young voices on the environment to understand local perspectives on the climate emergency. Priyanka Lalla, a teenage climate activist and UNICEF youth advocate represented Trinidad and Tobago at COP26. Joshua Prentice, a climate and ocean scientist, has worked on UN projects related to chemicals and waste. Zaafia Alexander is the founder of an NGO raising awareness of the climate crisis.
They discussed their inspiration for advocacy, highlighting the destructive impact of events like Hurricane Maria in 2017. Lack of education and engagement among young people on climate issues was identified as a challenge, attributed to gaps in the school curriculum and limited awareness among parents.
The activists emphasized the need for legislative changes to address the climate crisis and called for collective action involving governments, policymakers, NGOs, and the public. Regarding Trinidad’s reliance on oil reserves, they acknowledged the necessity for a transition to sustainable energy but recognized the complexities of immediately abandoning fossil fuels, given their significant role in the country’s economy.
