KINGSTON, Jamaica – Dr Thera Edwards, a map curator and lecturer in the Department of Geography and Geology at the University of the West Indies, is emphasising the importance of individual action in addressing climate change. She warns that the window to prevent a climate catastrophe is rapidly closing.

“We are all part of climate change; we all have a role to play and there is room for individual action. If we are not going to act individually in our various roles in our organisations, there are things that we can trigger as actions from our respective positions in our communities to address climate change,” she said.

Dr Edwards was addressing the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) recently convened sector meeting under the theme ‘SDG13 Climate Action – What Can NGOs Do to Combat Climate Change and its Impact?’

The sector meeting was held in partnership with the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) under the theme ‘Ignite CSO 2023 … Enhancing CARIFORUM’s Civil Society Capacity to Participate in National and Regional Development Programming and Policymaking’.

Dr. Edwards provided recommendations for both non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals. These include reducing carbon emissions by planting trees in urban and forest areas, promoting resilient societies, investing in sustainable solutions, and addressing all climate risks.

The lecturer in the Department of Geography and Geology at UWI, Mona Campus said already there are more frequent storms and extreme weather events. She, however, noted that there are mitigating measures that can be taken in preparation for these extreme weather conditions.

“If you are in charge of an organisation and if you have persons who oversee your buildings, ensure that they inspect your buildings, find out if the buildings are up to code. For example, we like to use galvanised zinc on our roofs in the Caribbean but are the roofs attached using hurricane straps? Are the materials used going to help buildings to resist strong storm-force winds?” she asked.

Dr Edwards said keen attention should also be paid to ensure that buildings are insured as so many organisations have suffered because of lack of adequate insurance or lack of insurance coverage.

She said before storm events, electronics, important documents, furniture, and equipment should be safeguarded.

“Have a data management plan and a backup plan and use it. How are you managing your data? Is all your data secured in the office? Do you have cloud storage and backup? Do you have external locations where at set time intervals data is sent for storage for secondary backup?” she asked.

She urged persons to be aware of the location that they are situated in, and the risks associated with the areas such as if the area is prone to flooding; if the area is prone to increased temperature, which she said can cause heat stress especially for outdoor activities or in elderly or other vulnerable persons.

Turning to the issue of drought, Dr Edwards said that persons should be practising water conservation using low-flow fixtures or using grey water from kitchens, laundry areas or baths to water gardens and backyard plots.

Participants were urged to look around their work, community and home spaces to identify areas for individual and group action to begin to build climate readiness and resilience.