Our Caribbean homelands are facing an existential threat from climate change that extends beyond weather patterns. The challenges that nations such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica are facing today will only escalate in the coming decades, and with severe consequences for critical sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, and increasing temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns undermine agricultural productivity and water supplies. Meanwhile, tourism, a key economic driver for many Caribbean nations, is at substantial risk. Hurricanes, coastal erosion, and coral bleaching are not only damaging the attractions that draw us back home as part of the Caribbean diaspora, but they are also making these destinations less accessible and less appealing to tourists.

Climate change-related phenomena – such as flooding, droughts, and dangerous heat waves – are already affecting daily life and infrastructure. Some islands may eventually become uninhabitable due to these threats, as their high coastline-to-land ratio amplifies the effects of rising seas, storm surges, and extreme weather.

The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, among others, are already feeling the impacts on their agricultural lands and infrastructure, which are leading to increased costs and diminished economic resilience.

The economic impact of climate change is expected to worsen significantly in the next decade. According to a study by Climate Analytics, climate damages in the Caribbean could rise from five percent of regional GDP in 2025 to over 20 percent by the century’s end. This escalation is due to both the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events and slow-onset changes, such as sea-level rise and ocean acidification.

The agricultural sector, which employs many Caribbean residents, is likely to be severely impacted by droughts, hurricanes, and flooding, further threatening employment and food security in a region that already relies heavily on imports.

Simultaneously, critical infrastructure – essential for economic activity and disaster response – will face more frequent damage from extreme weather events. Rising temperatures and sea levels could disrupt transport networks, energy systems, and housing, increasing the financial burden on governments to maintain and rebuild essential infrastructure, according to the World Bank.

Looking ahead to 2040, the cumulative effects of climate change could push the Caribbean into a deeper crisis. Without significant adaptation measures, the economic costs associated with climate disruptions could reach $22 billion annually by 2050, the CFR has noted.

To address these challenges, coordinated efforts are required at both global and regional levels. Globally, stronger commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are vital. Developed countries and major emitters must accelerate their transition to clean energy, fulfill their financial commitments under the Paris Agreement, and provide financial support to vulnerable regions like the Caribbean to adapt and mitigate climate impacts.

At the regional level, Caribbean governments and bodies such as Caricom must enhance their capacity to manage and finance climate resilience initiatives, such as pooling resources to reduce costs, and improving local governments’ ability to access international climate funds.

Additionally, Caribbean governments should prioritise integrating climate risks into national planning and budgeting, promoting renewable energy use, and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies to create a sustainable economic model.

The fight against climate change in the Caribbean is a fight for survival. The future of our homelands depends on our collective ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and build resilience against the looming threats.

While global support is indispensable, our Caribbean nations must also take bold, proactive measures to protect their economies, environments, and people from the existential and escalating impacts of climate change.