Winds of Climate Change: A Longstanding Struggle Against Displacement in the Caribbean

The Caribbean – As the sun clips below the horizon over the Caribbean, the mangrove ecosystems that once flourished along Union Island shores serve as stark reminders of an alarming reality: the devastating effects of climate hazards.  Hurricane Beryl, the earliest recorded Category Five hurricane in history in the Atlantic, has wrought havoc across the region, leaving thousands displaced and entire communities in despair.  

Union Island, home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Grenadines, has been particularly hard hit, with reports showing that 90 per cent of these vital coastal forests have been damaged. Kristy Shortte has dedicated years to restoring this critical habitat through the organization Sustainable Grenadines Inc. Mangroves provide sanctuary for marine life and act as a natural barrier against storms and coastal erosion.

“Climate change is happening. The effects are real. We need to act urgently and put in place better structures for building codes and storm preparedness,” Kristy emphasizes. 

The loss of mangroves along six hectares of shoreline is more than just an environmental catastrophe. It threatens the delicate balance of biodiversity. These coastal forests are home to over 25 species of migratory and resident birds as well as rare green turtles, making their destruction even more worrying.  

The rapid intensification of Hurricane Beryl from a tropical depression to a major hurricane with winds exceeding 160 mph in just 42 hours underscores the critical role of warmer ocean temperatures in fuelling extreme weather events tied to climate change.

“At the start of the hurricane season, Beryl exemplifies once again how climate change is supercharging the power of climate hazards, which are becoming increasingly frequent and intense,” notes Pablo Escribano, IOM Migration, Environment and Climate Change Regional Officer, highlighting a troubling trend that demands immediate attention.

The broader implications  

The aftermath of Beryl has left communities reeling. In northern Grenada, Marcus Alexander, a small organic farmer, faces an uphill recovery after the destruction of his banana, coconut and nutmeg crops. “I will need at least six months before getting back to productivity,” he laments while clearing his land with a machete. His three children are acutely aware of climate change’s impacts, prompting Alexander to educate them on its realities and advocate for global emissions reductions.

In Jamaica, also heavily impacted by the storm, Sheila Barnes shares a similar plight. Having lost half an acre of sweet peppers and her 50 chickens, she leads a group of 60 farmers challenged by the unpredictability of the weather. “If we don’t take climate change seriously, we will jeopardize our future.” This call-to-action echoes across the Caribbean, where many are experiencing first-hand the devastating effects of climate change.

The connection between climate change and displacement is becoming increasingly evident. Caribbean countries are particularly vulnerable, with around 70 per cent of its population living in coastal areas. Rising sea levels and intensified storms pose significant threats to livelihoods and infrastructure. Despite contributing less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Caribbean communities bear the brunt of climate disruptions, leading to increased displacement as people seek safer ground. 

Resilience and urgency in the face of climate change

Extreme weather events such as Hurricane Beryl are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening livelihoods and infrastructure, and exacerbating financial hardship across the region. “We need world leaders to act on the impact of climate change on small islands, especially on those that lack the resources to deal with the effects. Many of these countries have been affected for years,” emphasizes Jelani Glean, a member of Dream Smile – a foundation based in Grenada. 

Only in the past decade, Caribbean countries have suffered multiple shocks with losses amounting to billions of dollars including displacement of entire communities, destruction of critical infrastructure, and negative impacts on biodiversity and livelihoods, due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Erika (2015), Hurricane Matthew (2016), Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017), Hurricane Dorian (2019), and La Soufriere Volcanic eruption (2021), to name a few.

Experts warn that while specific storms like Beryl cannot be solely attributed to climate change, the link between rising ocean temperatures and increasing storm intensity is undeniable. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported unprecedent sea temperatures this year, creating conditions ripe for powerful hurricanes like Hurricane Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl is a harbinger of what lies ahead if decisive action is not taken against climate change. As communities rebuild from this disaster, they stand united in their call for international aid and commitment to sustainable practices. The Caribbean's fight against climate change is not just about survival. It is also about resilience and hope for future generations.

This story was written by Gema Cortes, IOM Media and Communications Unit, Office of the Special Envoy for the Regional Response to the Venezuela Situation.