While the region continues to face the threat of a growing pandemic that will most likely remain with us for some time, we are also in the midst of a growing climate crisis. Our sister Caribbean country, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are currently battling a still-erupting volcano. It has been good to see how Guyana and many other Caribbean countries have been actively providing relief and support to SVG residents.
In moments of crisis, the spirit of Caribbean unity finally speaks. As the region responds to this recent natural disaster, it can also be an opportunity to think about the ways in which our nations continue to support and build one another sustainably. This will be necessary as we prepare ourselves for the increasing natural disasters and food shortages that will become more regular as the years progress.
Many Caribbean economies have already been weakened by COVID-19 which led to rapid declines in revenue from tourism and other economic activities that rely on global trade systems. We are feeling the effects of little diversification in our region and the effects of this will not let up anytime soon. Diversifying our economies would also mean becoming more aware of the ways in which new industries can contribute to or be affected by climate change. The similarities between economies and the challenges of sustainable development in the Caribbean can be used as a starting point for greater cooperation. As we continue to see, the lack of resources and the increasing reliance on international trade that accompanies our propensity for natural disasters will further hamper our small nations at times in the near future.
Something that many have already begun to grapple with, is severe food shortages and walking prices given the region’s dependence on imports rather than production. While Guyana and a few others are considered food-safe nations, the reality is that food accessibility remains an issue, especially for minority and poor populations. These are not problems that are going to disappear whenever COVID-19 stops making its mark as they were before and only aggravated the pandemic. These problems will grow in severity as future pandemics and natural disasters continue to disrupt food systems. More and more people will find it increasingly difficult to adequately foster themselves and their families. As it stands, ten percent of the world’s population is already malnourished while in the Caribbean, that rate is around 19 percent.
Food insecurity is deeply affected by today’s environmental, political and socio-economic realities. With the increasing risks that will ultimately affect us all, it is high time that Guyana and the rest of the region begin to implement actionable steps to face the imminent intersectional crises that lie on our doorstep. door. These escalating crises will of course not only affect the Caribbean as it is estimated that many continents could develop immediate food emergencies. However, those who will be severely hit by the negative consequences of the ensuing climate crisis and its associated problems such as food insecurity, water scarcity, viruses and further ecological collapse will not.
The thing is, while the Caribbean is a relatively low contributor to climate change, it will not be the ones most affected. What globalization and our interconnected food systems provide us with is a clear insight into climate justice issues that see high-income and high-emissions countries less vulnerable to climate change while small states like ours bear the burden of their reckless corporate practices that harm the environment. . Global North will be the least affected while the farmers most particularly affected will be small farmers, women and children from developing countries. It is important that any work targeting climate change and food insecurity pays particular attention to these groups when designing and implementing initiatives. Unfortunately, when climate protection and human rights come up against the desire for economic growth, capital always comes out winning while the environment and its minority occupants are left to take care of themselves.