The whole of the Caribbean accounts for less than 10% of the annual greenhouse gas emissions and have contributed with just a fraction of the historical contamination. However, the countries and the people of the Caribbean are at the forefront of the violence of climate change and extreme weather events. The intensification in the number and intensity of destructive meteorological phenomena goes hand in hand with the financial fragility of indebted states and communities, the lack of adequate infrastructures to face these events, and the overall lack of adequate and binding international provisions to mitigate and adapt to climate change and compensate loss and damages.
But this is not all. The Caribbean are also experiencing an increase in ‘Disaster capitalism’ as the use of a post-disaster situation to accelerate the privatization and commodification of the territories. Like in Barbuda or the island of Providencia, states, investors and foreign actors use the socio-environmental fragility of certain territories to promote policies and solutions that are not the expression of the needs of people. In that sense, the destruction, trauma and state of shock caused by climate events become the excuse to avoid procedural requirements such as prior consent and consultation, and to accelerate policies and visions that would otherwise be opposed.
Our vision of the future for a united Caribbean region requires, therefore, to mitigate climate change, implement adaptive policies, deploy adequate mechanisms to deal with the social trauma of disasters, and guarantee that disasters are not opportunities in the hands of the few, but collective moments of solidarity and territorial bonding that will make the communities stronger rather than weaker.
Respect the self-determination of people after any disaster occurs, placing their rights and aspirations at the center of all reconstruction plans.
Create the conditions to educate communities about disaster capitalism and its impacts, empowering people to resist exploitative practices, including by preventing and identifying greenwashing. Ensure civil society education is accessible to all generations and age groups.
Promote united, collective efforts and active engagement at international (e.g., SIDS, Conventions, Agreements) and regional levels to improve the sharing of knowledge and experiences on how disaster capitalism operates and what measures should be taken to avoid its unfolding.
Showcasing stories of Caribbean organizations at the foreground of the struggle against disaster capitalism in the Caribbean. Our network of participants in the Greater Caribbean region connect, learn, share their hands on responses to the impacts of the twin threats of the climate crisis and disaster capitalism in our region.
Bernard Lodge Farmers Group
WAVE (Progressive Reform Movement)
Tèt Kole
Global Challenges Research Fund
Open Society Foundations
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
In the tumultuous aftermath of disasters, it is easy to feel isolated and alone, but you are not.
We, a network of Caribbean-wide community organizers who stand in solidarity with those affected the twin threats of the climate crises and disaster capitalism, a phenomenon that exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable communities.
We want you to know that your stories matter. We are here to listen, to support, and to amplify your voices.
We believe that together, we can challenge the forces of disaster capitalism and advocate for more sustainable, inclusive and equitable decision-making.
Join us in solidarity. Share your experiences and let’s build strong communities that thrive together.
As the wider world braces for the climate change, Caribbean communities are already struggling with its effects. Small local communities, small scale farmers and coastal communities are disproportionately affected. Political decisions, power dynamics and laws often compound the catastrophes and silence bottom up solutions.
There are ways in which you can help.