Location: St. Lucia

"Climate change adversely affects our coastal regions in a number of ways. Drastic increases in sea levels could mean that islands such as ours could be at risk of disappearing as more of the landmass is submerged.

Also, warmer ocean temperatures and changes in ocean currents have been cited as reasons for the mass invasion of Sargassum seaweed on our shores. The Sargassum smothers our shores making them unsightly and releases a sulphurous odour as it rots. This makes the beach unpleasant for both locals and visitors and neighbouring businesses suffer from decreased economic activity. The livelihoods of fishermen are threatened because they are unable to go out to sea as the seaweed entangles their nets and propellers. Sea turtles and fish also become entangled. Not only livelihoods but also the food supply is threatened thereby forcing migration of those affected."

-Vernesa St. Marie