Good progress is being made in the Caribbean in both preparing for climate action and promoting the build-back-better concept to train and certify youths in much needed trades in an important project in which CLGF is a key partner.

Gap analysis

A gap analysis has been commissioned by the 5Cs - Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre – in planning for climate readiness in Dominica, St Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, a project in which CLGF is a key partner. In addition to the hazards associated with hurricanes and rising sea-levels, the region is becoming concerned about heat disruptions. Day and night-time temperatures are rising, placing high demands on energy to power cooling systems, also highlighting the need for adaptation to building design and materials for passive cooling, as well as rainwater harvesting in view of worsening droughts.

Building code revision

The revision of building codes will also be required, particularly as they relate to the design of roofs to withstand hurricane-force winds, which are increasing in intensity and frequency on small islands.

With consultations in progress, it is emerging that adaptation measures are urgently needed to deal with the degradation of drainage and infrastructure caused by salt-water intrusions, landslides and flooding, with emphasis on green engineering solutions.

Building technical and vocational skills

Discussions are also revealing a deficiency in technical and vocational skills in the region – a deficiency which CLGF is addressing through the EU-funded project to promote vocational education in sub-national jurisdictions on the hurricane-prone islands of Barbuda, Carriacou, St Lucia, and Nevis. These CLGF pilot projects will facilitate the build-back-better concept to train and certify youths in building technology, welding, plumbing, and furniture-building and finishing.

Critical integrated local solutions

The issue of skills training was also raised at the SIDS4 conference (2024) in Antigua, attended by CLGF  Chairperson, Mayor Bernard Wagner and CLGF Regional Programme Manager, Ms Sandra Singh, where they stressed that integrated local solutions were critical to providing climate-resilient infrastructure, creating sustainable jobs and supporting local businesses. CLGF is also cognisant of the commitments for strengthening local authorities and community-based disaster risk management approaches, stated in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).

CLGF support

CLGF will also support the 5Cs initiative in the Caribbean to build local-level Climate Readiness capacity in the Caribbean, as determined by the Gap Analysis, and also contribute to public education and climate literacy.  CLGF will also extend its support towards promoting sustainable  Local Economic Development – a critical consideration in Climate Change planning.

CLGF's Ms Singh said: "It is very welcoming to see such progress being made in climate preparedness through this project. Building capacity for young people through skills training will help both to address damage caused by climate action, and also employment opportunities for young people."