Despite Barbados’ growing reputation as a global voice on climate action and its significant investment in climate resilience, a new regional survey has found that many of the island’s young people are not making the connection between those initiatives and the opportunities available to them in the emerging green economy.

The finding emerged from a UNICEF commissioned study examining the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young people on climate change and green circular economies across Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. The research was conducted by Professor Dwayne Devonish of the University of the West Indies and presented last Friday at UN House in Hastings, Christ Church.

The results surprised many observers, given Barbados’ prominence in international climate discussions and the country’s substantial investment in climate-smart infrastructure, renewable energy initiatives and environmental resilience projects.