SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, CMC – Climate activists from across the Caribbean are preparing to mobilise in their individual countries to draw attention to the urgent need of their governments to take adaptation measures that keep communities safe.

The October 1 to October 8 Action for Adaptation event is organised by the Caribbean Climate Network (CCN) and partnering organisations and individuals across the region.

A statement from the CCN noted that from drought to sea level rise, the Caribbean “is at the forefront of this moment in history” and many people are concerned about the safety of their communities’ infrastructure when the next climate disaster happens.

For this reason, it is mobilising to support activists who want to ensure that their countries adopt the necessary measures that will protect lives and property in the coming years.

“The time to start adapting was yesterday, but to adapt effectively takes time. Planning ahead to actually accomplish action and organising something larger than you would usually do takes a lot of work, and Caribbean Climate Network is helping you with your action, and joining it with actions around the region, amplifying the effects of the community on the whole. This is the real difference,” said Katrina Khan-Roberts, CCN member in Trinidad and Tobago.

Afeefa Richardson, CCN member in Guyana, stressed that action must be taken, as the effects of climate change are present now more than ever.

“Yet, our Caribbean voices continue to be drowned out and ignored by our own leaders. The week of action is an opportunity for any and everyone to take a stand and raise our voices together, louder, so that there’s no way we can be ignored anymore,” Richardson said.

People from all over the Caribbean are invited to host a local event or participate in one happening near them.

The CCN said activists will not only lead events during this week of action but will also receive direct support from the organisation in the planning process and in future local initiatives.

“Caribbean activists are incredibly talented and are very dedicated to building a safer world. We fully believe in their power, which is why we work to support their initiatives and help them elevate their leadership and talents to the next level,” said CCN founder Amira Odeh.

The CCN is part of 350.org, a global organisation dedicated to fighting climate change and building clean energy for all.