By Anubhav Kapoor
Even though we are currently witnessing how global warming trends are influencing climatic disasters around the world, it is evident that there is no straightforward solution towards arresting greenhouse gas emissions or making people cut back on their carbon footprints.
Most environmentalists believe that the resolution lies in acknowledging a simple fact — every regional population across the world needs to do its bit towards ensuring that they are reducing their strain on the environment, no matter how trivial it may seem in an overall perspective. The EU nations and China seem to have taken the centrestage is voicing their opinion and introducing greener technologies.
It seems a bit unfair however, that efforts taken across the Caribbean still go unnoticed although many island populations have stuck to their commitment towards developing ecologically-conscious, greener lifestyles. In 2009, some initiatives that will be more productive in changing the course of Caribbean nations towards endorsing an environmentally responsible existence were introduced.
Green Awards Come Calling
Some environmental purists might say that there is no need to award a nation for endorsing a greener lifestyle since it is a simple contribution towards insuring its continued existence. However, it should be understood such awards do serve a very important purpose — they often act as a catalyst in making the conventional, environmentally insensitive organizations realize the worth of becoming greener. This is very evident in the Caribbean perspective wherein greener business practices and development of environment-friendly workplaces were initiated by a handful of business. Soon, it seemed that international clientele started equating businesses with such progressive mindsets as being more contemporary. This has now created a certain level of urgency among many Caribbean businesses to try to project themselves as ‘environmentally-aware’ brands. The result —awards like the Green Planet Award are now engaging some serious attention. The Six Royal Caribbean International started this trend by winning the 2005 Green Planet Award for environmental excellence. Although, none of the Caribbean-based businesses was a serious contender for the Green Planet Awards 2009, Green Tourism Caribbean Conference has taken this initiative further by blending practicality with sustainability in the realm of Sustainable Tourism and now more than 57 tourism-based properties have been certified as green properties.
CARICOM Raises the Pitch
Leaders of the Caribbean Community or CARICOM have been constantly urging Caribbean nations to highlight their opinions and put forth their perspectives regarding the practicality of measures recommended for cutting down carbon emissions. This is a significant development since most of the green measures introduced at world forums are advocated by United Nations and EU member nations and aren’t suited for regional applications in many developing Caribbean economies. The coming months will see two very important events being hosted, i.e. the United Nations General Assembly on Climate Change (New York) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Copenhagen, Denmark). CARICOM is hoping that its Caribbean regional committees come together to present an honest viewpoint about green applications at these vital, decision-making forums. CARICOM has been actively holding ministerial meetings with Guyana’s CARICOM Secretariat becoming the epicenter of this initiative. It is being complemented in its efforts by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) that has 34 island nations as its members and is actively involved in educating and helping businesses and people for reducing their carbon emissions.
Slightly Miscued but Effective, Nonetheless
There have been some remarkable though seemingly ‘attention-grabbing’ developments in the realm of Caribbean business practices becoming ecologically conscious. The island of Bonaire has taken upon itself to become a role model of sorts by declaring itself to become the first-ever, sustainable Caribbean island. This endeavor has been described as dubious by many since it is common knowledge it is practically impossible to achieve 100% sustainability. However, some environmentalists are still rejoicing since this somewhat gimmicky development does solve a very noble purpose — Bonaire has stepped on the gas in ensuring that most of its energy demands are no longer dependent upon hydrocarbon-heavy, conventional fuel resources. It is on the verge of establishing major wind and solar-powered solutions along with a 14 MW biodiesel plant that is bound to reduce the island’s carbon footprints.
Engaging the Masses
Some not-so-significant but valuable efforts have been taken in order to sensitize the masses towards the fact that conserving natural resources is at par with taking care of their immediate and long-term wellbeing. September 19, 2009 saw many local populations being asked to volunteer for the International Coastal Clean–up Day. The cause being promoted was very evident — the beaches and waterways in the Caribbean are being polluted beyond redemption and if their abuse continues, the tourism-generated economy could be endangered. The 2008 version of this event had seen more than 6.8 million pounds of beach debris being cleared-up and this time, the final figures are expected to be much higher. The event saw considerable participation in Barbados and the Bahamas.
Some Serious Issues Still Neglected
The above-listed measures should be applauded for making the Caribbean ecologically responsive but some serious contradictions arise. United Nations Environment Programme has confirmed that cruise ships and sea vessels like tankers are the biggest perpetrators of rising carbon emissions in the Caribbean but their numbers are multiplying, unabated. Rising carbon emissions are known to precipitate drastic, local climatic changes — something very evident by the spate of destructive tsunamis in the Asia-Pacific region. Shouldn’t this issue assume critical importance considering that nearly 70% of Caribbeans inhabit low-lying coastal areas that are extremely vulnerable to minutest of changes in sea levels or cyclonic patterns? Can responsible, greener lifestyles be truly advocated when nearly 87% of Saint Lucia’s population is without proper sewage connectivity? Spreading environmental awareness and contributing to the cause of restricting global warming is welcome, but their applicability remains