Caribbean Climate Calabash
This podcast provides a roundup of climate change news in the Caribbean, a region highly vulnerable to the impacts of a warming planet. It features the perspectives of people living and working in the Caribbean, aiming to uplift stories from the region that often go unheard. The show is presented by Climate Tracker, an organization that has supported young climate journalists worldwide since 2015. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the monthly Climate Justice Brief newsletter for additional updates.
Episodes
S4 Ep4 | Rooted Resistance: Indigenous Jamaican Voices on Climate Change
In this episode of Caribbean Climate Calabash, we’re joined by Tameka A. Coley for a powerful conversation on Indigenous Jamaican communities and their frontline experiences with climate change 🌿🔥🇯🇲.Tameka shares insights on the deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological connections Indigenous peoples have with their lands 🏞, and how the climate crisis is threatening not just their environments, but
S4 Ep3 | Puerto Rico, Climate Change & Colonialism: The Fight for Environmental Justice
Puerto Rico faces a unique climate crisis. As a U.S. territory, its fight against climate change is tied to colonial policies, federal funding restrictions, and environmental degradation. In this episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash Podcast, we sit down with Luis Joel Méndez González, an investigative journalist, to discuss:🌎 How U.S. policies impact Puerto Rico’s climate adaptation⚡ The effe
S4 Ep2 | Climate Change and Food Security in Belize: A Journalist's Perspective
Join Jaleeza Roberts, a Climate Justice Journalism Fellow from Belize, as she dives into the profound effects of climate change on food security and agriculture in her homeland. Discover how erratic weather patterns, rising costs, and the need for sustainable practices are reshaping Belize's role as a potential "basket of the Caribbean."🌍 Explore the connection between climate change
S4 Ep1 |Climate Change & Crocodiles: A Jamaican Journalist's Eye-Opening Investigation
Discover how climate change is altering wildlife habitats in Jamaica, leading to an unexpected surge in crocodile sightings. Join Giovanni Dennis, a Climate Tracker Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism fellow, as he explores the link between extreme weather events, droughts, and the displacement of crocodiles. From dramatic highway encounters to insights from leading experts, this investigative st
S3 Ep14 | Best Practices for Fellows & Climate Journalism Insights
Join host Gladstone Taylor and Climate Tracker Program Director Johannes Damodar Patak in this engaging episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash Podcast! Discover valuable insights and practical advice for Climate Justice Fellows, prospective participants, and journalists alike.
Here’s what we cover:
Johannes’ inspiring journey from Surinamese journalist to Program Director at Climate Tracker.
S3 Ep13 | New Season Highlights & Updates
🌍 Wrapping Up Season 3 of the Caribbean Climate Calabash Podcast 🎙️
Join host Gladstone Taylor as we dive into the highlights of Season 3 and get a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 4 of the Caribbean Climate Calabash Podcast! 🌱
🎧 What’s Inside?
Updates on the new podcast format featuring engaging 2-3 minute fellow videos 🎥✨
Stories from Climate Justice Fellows tackling pressing climate c
S3 Ep 12 | Climate Tracker live from COP29
In this latest episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash podcast we check in with the Climate Tracker Team live from Baku, Azerbaijan. This 2024 cohort of features Jervon Sands from The Bahamas, Danielle Swain from Guyana, Carlos Palanco from Puerto Rico and our gracious host Ryan Bachoo from Trinidad and Tobago. They share their best and worst experiences as well as updates from the negotiations
S3 Ep11 | The intersection between Climate Change and Human rights
🌍 Exploring Climate Justice and Community Resilience 🌱
In this episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash Podcast, host Gladstone Taylor chats with Diana Ramos Gutiérrez, a Climate Tracker Journalism Fellow, about her inspiring work documenting community-led environmental restoration in Puerto Rico. 🌊🦜
🎙️ Key Highlights:
Grassroots efforts to reclaim natural spaces and fight environmental degrada
S3 Ep10 | The impact of Climate change on Caribbean biodiversity
Join us in this episode as we dive deep into the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge with Dr. Thera Edwards—a lecturer, map curator, and environmental expert with 30+ years of experience. 🧑🔬✨
🔑 Topics Discussed:
The shifting seasons 🌸⏳ and how climate change disrupts ecosystems.
Insights from Jamaican farmers navigating unpredictable weather. 🚜🌦
The resili
S3 Ep9 | Hurricane Dorian's Destruction: A Trilogy
In this episode, Bahamian communications specialist and journalist Vanessa Clarke shares powerful post-recovery stories 🌊. She provides insights from her reports developed through Climate Tracker’s Climate Justice Fellowship 🌎✨. These stories capture the trauma and triumph experienced by communities, revealing the profound and lasting impact of major hurricanes like Dorian on small islands—even fi
S3 Ep 8 | June too soon; St Vincent Devastated by Hurricane Beryl
In this episode, we’re joined by broadcast journalist and one of Climate Tracker's climate justice fellows, Colvin Harry, as he shares his experiences with our Regional Director, Dizzanne Billy.
💬 Back in June, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was one of the islands that felt the full force of what would later become the mighty Hurricane Beryl. 🌪️🇻🇨 Tune in to this latest episode to hear Colvin’s
S3 Ep 7 | Hurricanes, floods, and the road to recovery
In this episode, we get to know our fellow and Dominican Republic journalist, Carolina Pichardo. 🇩🇴🌿 Through this enlightening conversation with Hipolito Novelo, we dive into the intimate details of her two stories, highlighting how those in the agricultural sector are being impacted by climate change. 🌾
Don't miss this insightful discussion about the real effects of climate change on everyday liv
S3 Ep 6 | A journey in media: Advice and best practices from a Climate Tracker Mentor
🎙️ In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Belizean journalist and Climate Tracker mentor, Hipolito Novelo. 🌎 Joined by editor Gladstone Taylor, Hipolito delves into his inspiring journey into the world of media, sharing valuable insights from his experience. 📚 He offers thoughtful advice to listeners, touching on the skills and mindset essential for thriving in journalism.
🌿 Hipo
S3 Ep5 | Are Indigenous Guyanese benefiting from carbon credits?
🌎 In this episode, we spotlight the incredible work of Guyanese journalist Kemol King, a standout fellow from our Climate Justice Fellowship! 🎙️ Kemol shares his powerful experience reporting on the indigenous people of Guyana and raises the important question—are they truly benefiting from the carbon credit trade happening in the country? 🌱✨
Tune in to hear his insightful perspective on one of th
S3 Ep4 | Church in Jamaica goes solar and gives back to community
In this exciting episode, we’re joined by our climate justice fellow Delisa McLean, a skilled and certified journalist hailing from Jamaica 🇯🇲, also shares her experience of reporting on climate change for the very first time.
As a devout Christian, she set out to explore the role of faith in fostering hope and sustainability within Jamaica’s religious institutions, with a special focus on Waltha
S3 Ep3 | Suriname's Energy Oil and Gas Summit
In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Richelle Mac-Nack, a reporter from Suriname and a valued member of our Climate Justice Fellowship 🇸🇩. Richelle shares her journey reporting on a compelling story from the Suriname Energy Oil and Gas Summit ⛽. She’s joined by Programme Officer Johannes Damodar Patak, and together they delve into their parallel journeys into journalism, having started their
S3 Ep2 | Climate change intensifying weather events, and attribution science
In this episode, we're joined by The Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of the West Indies, Mona, who shares his expertise. We delve into how climate change is exacerbating the unpredictability and extremity of cold fronts, bringing heavy winds 💨 and higher sea levels 🌊 that cause coastal damage. Attribution science is emerging to ascertain the influence of climate
S3 Ep1 | Underwater Gardeners: The fight against SCTL Disease
The long-awaited Season Three of the Caribbean Climate Calabash podcast is here! 🎉🌿 In this episode, we feature a fellow from the 3rd cycle of our Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, Jhaka Wooding - based in the British Virgin Islands but born in St. Lucia 🇻🇬🇱🇨.
✨ In the first few minutes, she shares her story of discovering and reporting on the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, which
S2 Ep.25 | Climate Tracker Journalism Awards W/ Candice Stewart
In this episode, we discuss Climate Tracker's Climate Journalism Awards 🌍🏆. Our regional director, Dizzanne Billy, sits down with Candice Stewart, who won the award for best climate justice story - A look at period poverty experiences in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago 📜✨. They discuss the making of her powerful report on period poverty and the inspiration behind it.
S2 Ep.24 | Climate Tracker Journalism Awards W/ Laura Castillo
In this latest episode, our conversation with the Climate Tracker Journalism Awardees continues as we chat with Laura Castillo, from the Dominican Republic 🎙️. Laura shares insights into making her award-winning story - “Transforming sargassum: From animal feed to building blocks and fuel”🏆 with LATAM journalism mentor Paula Diaz 🌎.
S2 Ep.23 | Climate Tracker Journalism Awards W/ Rubi Morillo
In our latest episode, we catch up with one of the five awardees from our Caribbean Climate Tracker Awards, Rubi Morillo, from the Dominican Republic🌟. Our LATAM fam and journalism mentor, Paula Diaz, chats with Rubi about her winning story - “Who pays the price of fashion?” 🏆 and her feelings on receiving the award 🌿.
S2 Ep.22 | The Caribbean's Water Situation; Above ground, below the surface and at sea
In this latest episode we continue the conversation about Water from episode 20 with two special guests. Joining us for this episode are Dr Arpita Mandal(Senior Lecturer of Geology and Geographhy at UWI Mona & Hydrogeologist), and Dr Debbie Gordon-Smith(Lecturer of Chemistry at UWI Mona and Chemist specializing in water). They share with us some of the science they've become privy to as it
S2 Ep.21 |Editor's Cut: New Season, a world under water & more
In this episode the editor Gladstone Taylor shares some news, and a few thoughts about season two, the new upcoming season, climate tracker Caribbean and even Mia Motley's recent address at the UN general assembly. Tune in for this special editor's cut!
S2 Ep.20 | Water quality data, scarcity and sustainability
In this episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash, our program officer Johannes sits down with Dr. Sharda Mahabir- National Coordinator, GEF SGP Trinidad and Tobago. In this insightful installment, they discuss the looming potential for greater water scarcity in the region as the climate heats up and becomes more dry. They also discuss tips for everyday households to implement to help restore the
S2 Ep.19 | Sustainable development for islands, Climate change denalists & COP28
The Island Innovation Co are a group working to assist with building resilience through sustainable development for island regions like the Caribbean. In this episode we share a humorous and interesting conversation with Island Innovation's James Ellsmoor about what sustainable development looks like in different regions, how to deal with climate change denialists and more.
S2 Ep.18 | The state of Caribbean Climate Journalism, obstacles and opportunities
In this episode we catch up with our Climate justice fellowship alum, Bahamanian Journalist and Opportunities editor at the International Center For Journalists, Deandre Williamson. She shares her recent experiences, stories she's been editing for the paper in Bahamas and her time as apart of the UN's Reham Al-Farra (RAF) Memorial Journalism programme.
S2 Ep.17 | Climate Tracker + Global Yaadie: Cop28, Climate Justice & more
In this episode we share some laughs and pouts with one of our very own podcast colleagues Global Yaadie. Spearheaded by Dainalyn Swaby, the global Yaadie podcast looks at climate change, sustainable living and advocacy of marginally impacted groups. This week she shares some of her COP28 experiences with the Climate Tracker's mentor and journalist Hipolito Novello. Tune in!
S2 Ep.16 | The curious case of Tobago's mysterious oil spill
📅 This week's episode features a chat with journalists from Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹 about the recent oil spill in Tobago. Joining us are Kalain Hosein, Kandace Jackson, Christianne Zakour, and Ryan Bachoo. 🎙️ Tune in to unravel the tale of Tobago's enigmatic oil spill.
S2 Ep.15 OptOut + Climate Tracker: COP28 Reflections, with Amanda Magnani and Chris Wright
🌍 Amanda Magnani, a COP28 Climate Tracker fellow and extraordinary journalist, takes us on a journey back to her experiences during and after last year's COP28. She interviewed several key sources, including Climate Tracker's Chris Wright, discussing the genesis of Climate Tracker, the irony of hosting COP28 in a petrol state, and more. Don't miss out! Tune in! 🎙️
S2 Ep.14 | Indigenous human rights, Cop28 & climate journalism angst
In this episode we speak to journalist and fellow Stefanie Lauchman about the aftermath of Cop28, her stories about indigenous people in Suriname and more. Stefanie also shares her perspective from the collaborative piece featuring Candice and Samuel, examining the mental health implications of climate change on indigenous people especially.
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S2 Ep.13 | COP28 is over, what's next?
In Climate Tracker's latest Community hangout, Climate Diplomacy Advisor Kristin Qui and Journalist Kalain Hosein share their thoughts on how COP28 concluded. They provide their final analysis, moderated by Climate Tracker's regional director, Dizzanne Billy. Tune in for this insightful session! 🌍🔍
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S2 Ep.12 | Climate Change, Mental Health, and Indigenous People
🌍 Candice and Samuel, two exceptional journalists from Climate Tracker's Climate Justice Journalism fellowship, are bringing your insights in this episode! They're sharing the findings from their collaborative report on the impact of Climate Change on the mental health of Indigenous or First people. 📰💡
Joined by the seasoned broadcast journalist and Climate Tracker Journalism Mentor, Hipo
S2 Ep.11 | Carbon markets and Suriname's indigneous communities
Climate Tracker's COP28 fellow Stefanie Lauchman has been 🕵️♀️ keenly following the negotiations surrounding the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's Article 6. It's all about carbon markets and carbon trading between businesses and countries. As these talks advance, there is concern from experts about the missing language that could help to ensure the 🌍 indigenous
S2 Ep.10 | How does COP28's Global Stocktake affect you
🌍 COP28 hits its midway point, and mentor Hipolito Novelo catches up with Climate Tracker's fellow, Kalain, for an exciting update on his journey! The Loss and Damage has been operationalised, paving the way for the conference's next phase. Stay tuned.
S2 Ep.9 | Guyana's forest protection agenda at COP28
🌿 Guyana is actively negotiating for increased finance and support to bolster its climate change mitigation efforts. With 80% of its land covered in forests, Guyana stands as a regional leader in the sustainable climate fight. Vishani Ragobeer brings updates from Guyana's COP28 negotiations, shedding light on their significance for both the country and other Caribbean states.
S2 Ep.8 | COP28 Loss and Damage Pledges Not Enough
Within the past couple days of the COP28 conference in Dubai, there have a been a myriad of developments. In particular, Caribbean leaders push for loss and damage funding has been met with insufficient pledges. To put this into perspective our virtual COP28 fellow Richie Ferrol shares his loss and damage story and the importance of these absent funds for countries like Dominica.
S2 Ep.7 | What You Need to Know to cover COP28
As the UNFCCC gears up for its annual Conference Of Parties (COP), 🌍 Climate Tracker is thrilled to present insights from some of our most accomplished alumni and staff on effectively covering the event.
Join us to glean valuable tips from COP27 Climate Justice Reporting Fellow, Ryan Bachoo, 🎤 facilitator Mariana Estrada, 📝 Caribbean Journalism Mentor Hipolito Novelo, and 🌴 Caribbean Regional Dir
S2 Ep.6 | Money talks: How are Caribbean countries getting climate finances?
🎙 In this episode, we hear from the esteemed climate justice journalism fellows: Vishani, Kyle, and Jermine from Guyana, Barbados, and St. Kitts & Nevis respectively. Each of these young journalists carries stories and updates from their own countries about the growing climate issue and how the lack of promised finance to build resilience affects the region's development.
This episode is
S2 Ep.5 | Surviving the oil and gas death spiral
In this edition of the Caribbean Climate Calabash we will be featuring a discussion with the CEO of the Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, Donald Baldeosingh. Mr Baldeosingh is an expert in the field of energy and has even had a stint as the chairmain of Trinidad and Tobago's National Oil Company, Petrotrin. He will speak about the transformation in his own career and how that has b
S2 Ep. 4 | Loss and damage: slow progress or no progress?
The issue of loss and damage is a critical one for the vulnerable Caribbean region and the small island developing states that live there. However, the subject was only recently added to action items for conferences like COP27. In this podcast episode, climate justice journalism fellows; Marco, Britney and Gabriela will speak on the issue and how their countries are faring amid this massive global
S2 Ep. 3 | Mertrina: Climate advocacy, creativity, and science combined
In this episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash we put a spotlight on one of the Caribbean's most unique approaches to environmental work. Marine Biologist Katrina Khan-Roberts has created a character called Mertrina to combine her love of the ocean, her study of it and her passion to advocate for better care of the resource. Here we will witness her enlightening conversation with the Caribb
S2 Ep. 2 | Where is the climate finance?
In this episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash we have the first of what we like to call the "GroupCast". We'll be having three Climate Justice Fellows and one of our mentors discuss the pressing topic of Sargasso and coastal erosion in the region.
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S2 Ep. 1 | Breastfeeding is climate neutral?
Candice Stewart is an upcoming journalist living and working in Kingston Jamaica with a passion for accurate reporting and subjects like Climate Change in the island. This new episode features her interviewing two guests Catherine Toms, MD, MPH and Simeca Alexander- Williamson where they will be discussing the impacts of climate change on breastfeeding and how this natural act is also one of envir
Season 2 Trailer
A preview of what's to come. Season 2 episode 1 coming 10/11/2023. Stay tuned.
Ep. 11 | What about the Caribbean climate narratives?
Dizzanne, Hipolito, and Johannes from our Caribbean Climate Tracker team are excited to share about the opportunities they've been able to facilitate for the region's climate journalists. In this episode of the podcast, we will catch up with the team, and hear some of their personal stories, challenges and their favourite stories so far!
Ep. 10 | The art of climate journalism
Jason Pinas is a freelance journalist from Suriname with a reputable history in the field. He is well known for his bravery as a professional. In this episode, we will learn more about his track record, and how he ended up in an altercation with bodyguards of his country’s vice president. Tune in!
Ep. 9 | El desafío de ser periodista climática en República Dominicana
Elvira Hernández is a corporate communicator with more than eight years of experience leading a team. She has told stories in various digital media outlets in the Dominican Republic, including Listín Diario. In this episode we will learn more about her personal story, the work she has done and her favorite climate justice reports.
Ep. 8 | La crisis climática crea vacíos alimentarios en Puerto Rico
Carlos Berríos Polanco is a multimedia freelance journalist and correspondent for Latino Rebels. His work mostly focuses on covering public unrest, political corruption, and the climate crisis. Although he is based out of Puerto Rico, he enjoys traveling to report on and cover justice issues all over the world. In this episode we will learn a bit more about Carlos and his story of how increased hu
Ep. 7 | Finding the connecting threads
Gladstone Taylor is an author/journalist living and operating out of the creative industries of Kingston, Jamaica. He has been writing professionally for over eight years. He’s reported on the environment, culture, music, film, and tech through platforms such as Mongabay, The Fader, Sole DxB, Bandcamp, The Face Magazine, RollingStone, Afropunk, Syfy Wire, and PopDust, to name a few. In this podcas
Ep. 6 | Giving the mic to Caribbean indigenous communities
Maureen Valmond is a journalist, social and climate justice advocate with indigenous heritage, living in Dominica. Through her drive and passion for the voiceless and underrepresented in her country, she manages to balance all her titles. In this podcast episode we get to learn a bit more about Maureen, her passion for social work, and climate justice stories as well as some lesser know details be
Ep. 5 | Think big, start small
Kevin Headly is a filmmaker and journalist from Suriname with a passion for the audiovisual format. Combined with his love of film, is Kevin’s love of forests, climate justice and the amazing work conservationists are doing in his home country. In this podcast episode we learn more about David’s illustrious career as a journalist and how he made his transition into film making.
Ep. 4 | Finding the real Caribbean climate issues
Rochelle Clayton is a staff journalist from Jamaica, working for the Observer Newspaper to expose the key issues of regular everyday people. In this episode of the podcast we get a closer look at the mind behind these stories; what goes into her reporting, how she decides on key issues and of course the origin of her passion for journalism and climate change.
Ep. 3 | Climate change affects everything
Andre Habet is a journalist, writer, researcher and scholar from Belize who specializes in analyzing climate policy. In this episode of the Caribbean Climate Calabash, Andre shares some of his early ambitions and how those gave way to his present career path. With the help of Host and Caribbean Director Dizzanne Billy, Andre also delves into some of the environmental policies or lack thereof that
Ep. 2 | "Good journalism brings about change"
Deandre Williamson is a multi award winning journalist and editor from the Bahamas. In this episode she shares more about herself and her experience connecting with other journalists through the climate justice journalism’s first cycle with her climate tracker mentor Hipolito Novelo. She also speaks in detail about some of The Bahamas key climate justice issues and their impacts through the storie
Season 1 Trailer
😎 Our Caribbean team is clearly really excited about the launch of this podcast! Listen to our trailer for more insights on what you could expect from season 1!
Ep. 1 | Journalism Chose Me
David Papannah is a journalist from Guyana. In this episode Johannes delves into David’s story from his birth to toddler years and his journey into the journalism field. “I think journalism chose me,” he jokes. He recalls witnessing firsthand the effects of two major floods in Guyana and how much that impacted the lives of citizens.
