Hurricane Beryl: A Wake-Up Call for Climate Justice in the Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl shattered all kinds of records and not the records we are used to in Jamaica. It became the earliest Category 5 storm in the Atlantic and the strongest-ever hurricane in July. It also set numerous other records, developing faster and much earlier in the year than similar systems. Beryl is the strongest hurricane on record for both June and July and experienced the most rapid intensification of any hurricane before September 1—a time typically reserved for the more intense period of the Atlantic season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Experts say these records are tied to climate change, highlighting our new, harsh climate reality.

While Kingston, Jamaica was largely spared from the initial projection of a direct hit, other parts of Jamaica including our "breadbasket" St. Elizabeth, and neighbouring Caribbean islands suffered greatly.

Beryl was a Category 4 storm when it hit Jamaica, bringing hours of relentless rain. The aftermath was devastating: Homes, infrastructure, and vegetation were destroyed in select parishes; Over 60% of citizens lost electricity; Over a thousand residents sought emergency shelters.

Smaller islands faced even worse destruction. In the Grenadines, over 90% of buildings were damaged. Carriacou's electrical grid and communications systems were obliterated. Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw 98% of buildings, including its hospital and airport control tower, damaged or destroyed.

?Why the need for Climate Justice?

1. Caribbean nations contribute just 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but bear a heavy burden of climate impacts (World Bank Blog: "Four things you should know: Climate change & Small Island Developing States" (2024)).

2. Natural disasters significantly increase public debt for already indebted Caribbean countries. A 2024 IDB report shows that for the 10 most severe storms, debt levels increase by 10 percent immediately and are 18 percent higher than expected three years after the event. (IDB Working Paper: "Climate Change, Hurricanes, and Sovereign Debt in the Caribbean Basin" (2024)).

3. Climate adaptation costs for some Caribbean nations could reach up to 25% of GDP annually through 2030 (IMF Country Reports on Disaster Resilience Strategies (2021-2022)).

4. Ocean warming threatens to destroy 70-90% of tropical coral reefs by mid-century, affecting 41 million people in the Caribbean who rely on reefs for food and livelihoods (UNDP Climate Promise Initiative data (2024)).

5. Since 2000, at least eight disasters in the Caribbean have caused damage equivalent to 33% to 200% of the affected country's GDP. In the three decades leading up to 2018, the region suffered over US$ 40 billion in damages from natural disasters, with annual losses from catastrophic climate events estimated at US$ 3 billion. More than 385 climate-related disasters hit the Caribbean in the 28 years prior to 2018, according to research from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). This data, now six years old, paints a stark picture of the region's climate vulnerability that has likely only intensified in recent years.

The injustice is clear: Caribbean nations emit very little carbon but suffer the most from climate change. In Jamaica, it's like a developer damaging roads during construction of a new house or complex, and refusing to repair them after. The world acknowledges the problem, but commitments fall short of protecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from economic peril.

My wake-up call

For the few minutes where Beryl's full force bore down on my home, I felt terrified, especially as I saw my own daughters’ fear. I have lots of evidence of what would have happened if those minutes had extended to hours. We were spared thanks to Kingston not getting a bad hit, stronger housing infrastructure, solar panels and a generator. These are luxuries most people in the Caribbean don't have. A fact not lost on me as I come face to face with the reality of climate injustice.

Dr. Hiroyuki Murakami of NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory says, "Although it is uncertain to what extent climate change contributed to the early formation of Hurricane Beryl, our climate models suggest that the mean intensity of hurricanes will increase in the future due to enhanced global warming."

Climate change is often branded as a "liberal" issue. I consider myself to be environmentally responsible—recycling in Jamaica, which isn't easy or pervasive, ?opting for snapper instead of the overfished parrot and encouraging others to do the same. However, I wouldn’t have considered myself an advocate. Beryl changed that. I can no longer stay neutral.

Climate justice steps have fallen short

The Paris Agreement, established in 2015, aims for global emission reductions and adaptation to climate change impacts, with increasing commitments over time. However, a 2023 UN report shows that current national climate action plans are not enough to limit global warming to the target 1.5 degrees Celsius. While carbon emission commitments by major emitters are necessary for the long term, they don't protect the Caribbean from the short-term and recurring economic devastation caused by hurricanes.

?The Loss and Damage Fund created at COP27 in 2022 was a win for vulnerable nations, but it lacks clear funding mechanisms, and contributions are voluntary and so far not significant. Wealthy nations, responsible for most emissions, are hesitant to commit significant resources due to fears of unlimited liability.

Moreover, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) research shows that finance for climate adaptation falls short. Climate adaptation includes: Upgrading new investment projects to make physical assets more resilient to climate change; ?Retrofitting existing physical assets to make them more resilient; Investing in coastal defences. The 2022 Adaptation Gap Report indicates that international adaptation finance flows to developing countries are five to ten times below estimated needs, and will need over US$300 billion per year by 2030.

We need urgent action on multiple fronts:

1.???? Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and renewable energy.

2.???? Diversify our economies into less vulnerable sectors like digital and tech services.

3.???? Understand the climate agenda of your local leaders during election cycles given the significant impact climate disasters can have on individuals, communities and nations.

4.???? Continue push for substantial loss and damage compensation from high-emitting nations.

5.???? Push for debt relief tied to climate adaptation investments.

?Beryl has shown us our new climate normal. Neutrality is no longer an option. When your livelihood can be wiped out by one intense hurricane, every Caribbean citizen must become an advocate for climate justice and demand bold, immediate action from local and global leaders.

Will you join me?

Urgent help needed now

Right now, our islands need your support. Please do identify reputable and trusted organisations for donations or send cash directly to those in need via reputable financial institutions.