Climate & Sustainable Development

Building a generation of young women ready to lead a sustainable Caribbean.
Climate change is one of the defining challenges facing the Caribbean, affecting our communities, economies, ecosystems and opportunities for future generations. At Girls of Impact, we believe young women should not simply experience the consequences of climate change. They should have the knowledge, skills, confidence and opportunities to help shape the solutions. Through climate education, leadership development, advocacy and community engagement, we equip young women to understand the challenges facing our region, participate in meaningful dialogue and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean. Our work recognises that climate action, gender equality and youth participation are interconnected; and that young women have an important role to play in shaping the region's future.

Why This Work Matters

The Caribbean's future must include young women's voices.
As Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Caribbean countries face significant challenges associated with climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, coastal erosion, threats to food and water security, and economic vulnerability. These challenges can deepen existing inequalities and create additional barriers for women, girls and vulnerable communities. Yet young women are not only affected by these challenges. They are also emerging advocates, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and community leaders with valuable perspectives and ideas. Meaningful participation requires more than inviting young people into conversations. It requires equipping them with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to contribute effectively. Girls of Impact works to help bridge that gap.

WHAT WE FOCUS ON

Our climate and sustainable development work focuses on building the knowledge, leadership and participation of young women in the issues shaping the Caribbean’s future.

Climate Education & Literacy

Strengthening young women’s understanding of climate change, its impacts on Caribbean communities and the policies, institutions and frameworks guiding climate action.

Climate Leadership & Advocacy

Equipping young women with the communication, advocacy and leadership skills needed to engage in climate conversations, influence change and champion issues affecting their communities.

Climate Governance & Policy Engagement

Creating opportunities for young women to understand climate governance, international negotiations and policy processes, and to develop the confidence to participate meaningfully in decision-making spaces.

Gender & Climate Justice

Exploring how climate change intersects with gender inequality, social vulnerability and access to resources, while promoting more inclusive and equitable approaches to climate action.

Community Resilience & Action

Encouraging young women to translate climate knowledge into practical initiatives that support environmental awareness, sustainability and resilience within their communities.

Sustainable Development & Regional Collaboration

Connecting young women to wider conversations about sustainable development, regional cooperation and the shared challenges facing Caribbean societies.

She Leads Climate Advocacy Programme

OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMME
She Leads Climate Advocacy is Girls of Impact's flagship climate leadership initiative, designed to equip young women with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in climate action, advocacy and policy engagement. The programme brings together emerging young women leaders to explore climate change through a Caribbean lens while developing practical skills in communication, leadership, climate governance and advocacy. Through interactive workshops, discussions and simulations, participants engage with issues such as international climate negotiations, climate justice, youth participation and the role of Caribbean countries in global climate decision-making. At its heart, She Leads seeks to move young women beyond awareness towards informed participation, effective advocacy and meaningful leadership.

FROM KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION

Understanding the issues is only the beginning. We believe climate leadership develops when young women have opportunities to apply what they learn. Our approach encourages participants to move through a journey of learning, engagement and action.

UNDERSTAND

Build knowledge of climate change, sustainable development and the challenges facing Caribbean communities.

ENGAGE

Explore the policies, institutions and decision-making processes shaping local, regional and international climate action.

ADVOCATE

Develop the confidence and communication skills to articulate perspectives, advance ideas and contribute to climate discussions.

ACT

Identify opportunities to apply learning through community initiatives, collaboration, advocacy and sustainable development activities.

LEAD

Strengthen the capacity to take initiative, influence conversations and contribute to a more resilient Caribbean.

A Caribbean Perspective on Climate Action

Shared challenges. Regional solutions.

Climate change does not recognise national borders.

Across the Caribbean, communities face interconnected environmental, social and economic challenges. At the same time, our region has valuable knowledge, experiences and perspectives to contribute to global climate discussions.

Girls of Impact recognises the importance of creating opportunities for young women to learn across borders, exchange perspectives and contribute to shared regional priorities.

As our organisation grows, we aim to strengthen regional opportunities for climate education, youth collaboration, advocacy and leadership development.

Our vision is to help build a connected community of young Caribbean women who are informed, engaged and equipped to contribute to the region’s sustainable future.

Young Women at the Centre of Climate Action

Participation should be meaningful, not symbolic. Young women deserve opportunities to contribute to the decisions that will shape their lives and communities. We believe effective youth engagement should create space for young women to:

  • Understand the issues and policies being discussed.

  • Develop informed perspectives and recommendations.

  • Engage with decision-makers and other stakeholders.

  • Participate in dialogue and advocacy.

  • Connect with peers and professionals working on climate issues.

  • Translate ideas into practical action.

 

Our Impact

Developing informed and engaged climate leaders.
Through our climate and sustainable development initiatives, we seek to contribute to: Greater climate knowledge and awareness Stronger advocacy and communication skills Increased confidence to engage in climate policy discussions Greater understanding of climate justice and gender-responsive approaches Expanded networks and opportunities for collaboration More young women taking initiative on climate and sustainability issues As this area of work develops, we are committed to documenting participation, learning outcomes and examples of young women's leadership and action.

Partner With Us

Invest in the next generation of Caribbean climate leaders.
Addressing the Caribbean's climate challenges requires collaboration across sectors, generations and communities. Girls of Impact welcomes opportunities to work with development agencies, environmental organisations, universities, foundations, government institutions, diplomatic missions and private-sector partners to expand climate education, leadership and advocacy opportunities for young women. Partnership opportunities may include: Climate Education & Training Programme Sponsorship Technical Expertise & Facilitation Youth Consultations & Engagement Research & Knowledge Sharing Climate Leadership Development Community Sustainability Initiatives Regional Collaboration Together, we can help ensure that young women are equipped not only to understand the challenges facing the Caribbean, but to contribute meaningfully to the solutions.