For this programme, we invite voices from Caribbean islands and island nations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We aim to understand how these communities experience the climate crisis, what they stand to lose, and how they’re building resilience. Despite being on the frontlines of climate impact, their perspectives are often sidelined in global discussions. The programme seeks to amplify their stories and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.
About the programme
Climate racism, often described as, “we are all in the same storm, but not on the same boat” highlights how the impact of the climate crisis varies greatly among different communities. While everyone faces the climate crisis, the effects are not the same for everyone. Smaller islands and island nations are particularly vulnerable to climate change despite having made minimal contribution to the greenhouse gasses intensifying the crisis. From increasingly severe hurricanes to health emergencies caused by rising temperatures and entire regions submerged in water, small islands are experiencing the devastating effects of climate change right now!
Countries in the global north, such as the Netherlands, often lead discussions on combating climate change but may overlook the severity of the crisis for communities in the global south. This is exacerbated by patterns of ecological destruction in the global south to support the transition to sustainable energy in the global north. Even climate movements in the global north often fail to recognise the severity of the climate crisis and the urgent need for solutions experienced by people in the global south. The time to unify the Dutch Kingdom, on both sides of the Atlantic, for collective climate action is now!
More about the speakers:
Riddhi Samtani is a leader in fighting climate change in the Caribbean. She’s deeply connected to St. Martin and wants to understand how climate change affects small islands like hers, especially considering the impact of colonial history. With her background in International Affairs and Sustainable Development, she combines research and hands-on experience to tackle climate issues in the Caribbean. Currently, she works as an Environmental Specialist at the National Recovery Program Bureau, focusing on rebuilding after Hurricane Irma using climate-friendly methods. Riddhi is a global advocate, speaking up for climate action at conferences like COP in Dubai. She’s passionate about building unity among Caribbean islands. She believes that young people’s voices are crucial in fighting climate change and has been involved in programs like the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy and the EU Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network. Riddhi also helped organize the first Caribbean Climate Justice Camp with Greenpeace, bringing together 120 young activists from the region to share ideas and solutions in St. Maarten.
