RESIDENTS of Waltham Park in Kingston learned how climate change affects their lives and were entertained by some of their favourite artistes during the Voices for Change Education Project’s first community intervention last Tuesday.

More than 40 inner-city residents crowded into the small S-Corner Clinic on St Joseph’s Road to discuss with experts a range of issues resulting from or contributing to climate change. Simple things such as proper disposal of garbage, conservation of electricity and the effects of the sun on the skin were among topics of relevance to the gathering of mostly women, teenage students, and teachers from several basic schools in the area.

The workshop was the latest in a series of discussions under the project of the National Environmental Education Committee and Panos Caribbean, which seeks to raise awareness about the complex issue of climate change.

After the discussions, the crowd swelled as residents were treated to a concert featuring artistes Lovindeer, former Rising Stars winner Cameal Davis, Shane Fury (formerly of the group Khalil) Amique and Fyah Juice.

Angela Stultz, executive director of the S-Corner Clinic and Community Development Centre, a community-based organisation, was pleased at the turnout.

“Normally, to get the community to come out for a workshop is a challenging task so it is pleasing that so many persons turned out,” she told Career & Education. “Perhaps with the earthquake in Haiti so fresh in their minds, people are concerned about natural disasters and how they can recover when they occur.”

Stultz noted that most inner-city residents are not concerned about conservation of water and electricity because they do not pay for these utilities, and so it was important to change those attitudes.

“They use a lot of electricity, more so because most don’t pay for it,” she said of the residents. “But although it may appear to be free, they still can reduce the amount they use because it contributes to global warming.”

Presenters, including Gail Hoad, regional programme officer of the international development charity Christian Aid, and Indi McLymont-Lafayette, regional director of media and environment for Panos Caribbean, discussed the issues with residents in a non-judgemental way. Car-pooling, tree-planting, walking as an alternative to driving, proper disposal of waste, avoiding smoking and saving electricity were among the topics they touched on.

Ava Tomlinson, senior public education and community outreach officer at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), said bringing the message of climate change to marginalised communities was critical.

“All Jamaicans need to have a better understanding of climate change; how we can adapt to the problem and mitigate if possible,” she said.

NEPA has been facilitating the meetings by providing material and making presentations.

Crescent Road resident Vonda Davis, clutching her year-old son, showed that she had absorbed the lessons delivered.

“I learned not to chop down the trees because it causes soil erosion, and that when the climate gets too hot, the sea gets hot and it causes more hurricanes. The burning of garbage causes asthma, and keeping the baby in the hot sun can cause skin cancer,” she told Career & Education.

Veteran entertainer Lovindeer was only too happy to lend his talent to help deliver the message in a way that was quickly appreciated by the inner-city residents.

“We know that music carries the message across, so if we can put all these facts about climate change to music, we know we can reach a wide cross-section of people,” he said.

“We could do this more often to reinforce the message among the parents,” added Patricia Vassell, a teacher at Crescent Road Basic School.