Climate Resilience

08 Feb Climate Resilience

Under Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s leadership, Barbados is implementing a strategy to phase out fossil fuels by 2030 and has introduced the national resilience initiative, Roofs to Reefs. This program focuses on reinforcing home construction, sustainable land use, increased freshwater storage, and the restoration of coral reefs to fortify coastlines against waves, storms, and floods. Similarly, Dominica has launched the Climate Resilience Execution Agency, positioning itself as a global leader in climate resilience.

With a focus on adaptive infrastructure and economic growth, the agency has developed an early warning system and climate-resilient infrastructure, including shelters, roads, bridges, and seawalls. Jamaica updated its climate action plan, setting ambitious emission reduction targets in energy and land-use sectors. Initiatives include projects to enhance energy efficiency, water conservation, improved irrigation systems, and UN-sponsored programs for watershed restoration and wetland rehabilitation to address water insecurity, especially amid worsening droughts.

Furthermore, the Sony Music Global Social Justice Fund-backed project, comprising thirty-two Flex Farms, supports climate resilience across three Caribbean nations, including Barbados. Spearheaded by the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA) in collaboration with Fork Farms, these systems aim to revolutionize hydroponic technology, providing efficient and scalable yields, producing over 25 pounds of fresh leafy greens in just 28 days, marking a substantial advancement from traditional farming methods.