One of the biggest challenges for climate action today is the growing gap between global commitments and the lived realities of the communities most affected. While governments make pledges and design policies, these decisions often fail to address the deep social inequalities that shape climate vulnerability. As a result, climate responses do not fully reach or protect marginalized groups, especially in regions like the Caribbean where climate shocks collide with economic hardship, limited resources, and social exclusion. To move forward, climate action must center equity, participation, and community leadership. Solutions must be grounded in lived experience to ensure that the people most affected are not left behind.

My experience with climate action is grounded in my work at TransWave Jamaica, where I focus on how climate vulnerability affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Jamaica is facing stronger hurricanes, flooding, and heat waves, and these impacts are felt most by marginalized communities with limited access to safe housing, employment, and emergency shelters.

At TransWave, I lead advocacy to ensure that climate policies and disaster risk plans are inclusive and responsive to the needs of trans and GNC people. I conduct research and community consultations to document climate related challenges, including discrimination in shelters and unequal access to relief supplies. These findings help shape policy briefs, national submissions, and engagements with government agencies and civil society partners.