Caribbean Youth Leaders Drive Heat Mapping Project for Climate Justice
Empowering young climate advocates to lead innovative heat mapping initiatives that drive climate justice and community resilience across the Caribbean.
Overview
In 2023, two outstanding young leaders from the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) cohort, Oriana Wouters from Aruba and Muskaan Khemani from the island of Curaçao, embarked on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the growing impact of heat on vulnerable communities. The project, born out of many conversations and discussions between the two participants during their time in the Academy, focuses on heat mapping in the Caribbean—an essential tool in combating climate-related health risks through data. Their work, which has received support from UNESCO Aruba and other National Commissions, exemplifies how youth-led efforts can drive climate justice in the region.
The Heat Mapping Project: Origins and Goals
Work with us!The idea for the heat mapping project first emerged as Oriana and Muskaan explored how climate change is making their islands hotter and also exacerbating health issues for vulnerable populations. Both participants share a passion for data-driven solutions, particularly regarding heat's public health impacts. Their early discussions led to a shared vision: developing heat maps to identify areas most affected by rising temperatures, especially in communities already vulnerable due to different factors.
With a focus on the islands of Aruba and Curaçao, the project aims to raise awareness about how heat affects people's lives and to ensure that vulnerable groups are considered in climate adaptation strategies. A key milestone for this initiative will be integrating the project's findings into public participation rounds for Aruba's spatial development plan, expected in 2026. By including heat maps in these discussions, Oriana and Muskaan hope to influence policies and elevate community-led solutions that safeguard communities facing the highest risks.
Expanding Scope with UNESCO Support
With UNESCO support through its Participation Program, there was an opportunity for Oriana and Muskaan to scale the project across more islands in the Caribbean. In collaboration with National Commissions from Aruba and other islands, they expanded the project to include Jamaica and St. Martin, addressing the heat's impacts on tourism and vulnerable populations (including the elderly, youth, public transit users which are often women). UNESCO's involvement further amplified the project's potential, drawing additional support from other National Commissions in the region.
The project's expansion marks a significant leap in both impact and collaboration. Muskaan, whose experience with past heat mapping projects made her an ideal leader for the data analysis, expressed excitement about the broader regional engagement. The funding, secured through the National Commission of Aruba, provided an initial grant of $36,000 for the heat mapping project, with further funding rounds anticipated by the end of 2025.
Capacity Building: Empowering Communities to Act
Central to this initiative is its commitment to empowering island communities. The project includes a virtual workshop that equips participants with the skills to work with data, interpret maps, and implement similar projects in their own countries. By building capacity across the region, the project not only raises awareness of heat-related issues but also strengthens local resilience and capacity in the Caribbean.
The project's initial phase involves four islands, but there are plans to expand based on demand and the capacity to build these skills. The researchers emphasize that communities can access necessary tools—satellite data and free online platforms—to conduct their heat mapping, promoting sustainability and local ownership of the project.
Connecting to COP and
the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy
Oriana and Muskaan's heat mapping project is closely connected to their experiences in the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) and their involvement in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28). The CCJLA played a crucial role in amplifying their understanding of climate justice, and providing them with valuable insights and resources that helped propel their initiative. Through the Academy, they connected with other youth leaders from across the Caribbean, forming networks that have supported and made youth-led inter-island collaborations possible.
Oriana Wouters' and Muskaan Khemani's heat mapping project is a testament to the power of youth leadership and international collaboration in addressing climate justice. Through their involvement with the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy and COP, they are raising critical awareness of the health impacts of rising temperatures in the Caribbean. As they continue to expand their initiative and engage with global stakeholders, their project serves as one way local actions can significantly contribute to regional climate resilience for the Caribbean.
CCJLA Delegation at COP29
As COP29 approaches, this year's CCJLA cohort will have the opportunity to engage with the conference, marking a significant step in their climate justice journeys. Their participation not only offers a stage to showcase their initiatives but also presents a chance to engage with international stakeholders, potentially securing new partnerships and resources to further their impact.
Moreover, attending COP alongside the CCJLA enables them to contribute to broader discussions on climate justice. Through events, side sessions, and networking opportunities, CCJLA delegates can advocate for the Caribbean's unique challenges and propose solutions to global climate issues. There is a pressing need for youth involvement in shaping climate policy and action.
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