actiononclimatechangeandhealth

Caribbean Community
of Practice on Climate and Health

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) only comprise 1% of the world’s population (approximately 60 million people) and they have experienced the most devastation from the damage caused by the climate crisis.  For decades, SIDS have been buffeted by slow-onset climate hazards and extreme weather events due to climate change. And now with the convergence of climate and health the significance of environmental and public health challenges, particularly for small-island and low-lying developing states, (SIDS) have been exposed.  The unique exposure of SIDS is recognised based on vulnerable location, small size, limited access to resources, limited availability of data, and challenges of coordination across many countries and language groups. Many countries specifically lack research data on climate change and health.

About the Caribbean Research for Action Agenda (CRAA):
The Research for Action on Climate Change and Health in the Caribbean project, comprising academic, civil society and international partners, started in 2021 with the objective of helping countries achieve their climate and health goals through strengthening availability and use of data on climate and health in the Caribbean though south-south-north partnership. This group went on to develop 18 areas in the Research for Action on Climate Change and Health in the Caribbean: A Public, Private, People’s and Planetary Agenda (https://earthmedic.com/research-for-action-on-climate-change-and-health-in-the-caribbean/) and published in the Pan American Journal of Public Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11726121/

Overall Goal

It is hoped that a Caribbean Community of Practice on Climate and Health will serve as a facilitating organization, advocating for a community engagement, collaboration and partnership approach while supporting and expanding the peer-to peer and south-south-north connection to advance climate research for action on pressing issues at the climate-health nexus. The guiding document proposed is the Caribbean Research for Action Agenda (CRAA).

Objectives

It is envisioned that the main objectives of the Caribbean Community of Practice on Climate and Health will be to:

1. Convene Caribbean researchers, practitioners, community advocacy groups and concerned citizens with an interest in climate change and health
2. Implement the Caribbean Research for Action Agenda (CRAA)
3. Strengthen regional and national capacity in scientific research, writing and publishing
4. Effectively disseminate research to practitioners, policymakers and the general public

Outcomes

  • Establish a platform for continuous dialogue and knowledge exchange between stakeholders to address evidence to practice gaps
  • Build research and practice partnerships within and between countries
  • Secure funding for implementing and expanding the CRAA

  • Workforce development by developing skills in conducting research, grant writing, publication development, and policy development through webinars, workshops and mentorship
  •  Build national and regional technical expertise to advance data surveillance, data management, and collective adaption and mitigation strategies in the health sector

  • Sharing research findings, case studies, stories and best practices across each nation and the region.

Outputs

1. Quarterly webinars (and other training strategies) that focus on topics of interest e.g. Preparing research proposals, writing publications, advocacy, writing policy briefs, case studies

2. Quarterly newsletters that share opportunities and experiences e.g. funding, community engagement experiences, research translation

3. Continuously updated web-based resource repository with a database of
(a) researchers and practitioners,
(b) research and best practices conducted nationally and collectively in the region, and
(c) practical guidance and tools to support implementation of the research agenda

Organisational Structure

  • Leadership team: CRAA
  • Host: EarthMedic/Nurse Foundation of Planetary Health
  • Leading agencies: EarthMedic/Nurse Foundation of Planetary Health, Emory University, Yale University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, the Pan American Health Organisation, the University of the West Indies, Blue Sky Development Consultancy
  • Collaborating partners: health professional associations, NGOs, funding agencies
  • Roles/Resources:
    • CoP Interns (students)
    • Internship coordinators
    • Facilitators
    • Administrative support

Membership

The Caribbean Community will be open to all individuals and organizations actively involved in climate and health research or practice in the Caribbean. We welcome your experiences, viewpoints and insights.

The Way Forward

The Caribbean Community will initially recruit members, to implement, and build upon the work of, the CRAA. An introductory meeting will be held to establish the leadership. Working groups will be formed based on areas of interest and expertise. These groups will be aligned with the domains of the CRAA. Synchronous 1-hour long meetings will be held via a remote platform at a quarterly cadence. As the group gains momentum. opportunities for supporting in-person engagements deemed valuable and feasible will be considered.

If you are interested in joining this Caribbean Climate Change and Health Community of Practice