Saint Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes is using music and animation to spotlight the Caribbean’s climate challenges in a new video released to mark World Environment Day.
The animated music video, ‘Climate Justice’, premiered on June 5 as part of the Caribbean Climate Justice Project, combining original music, animation and Caribbean storytelling to highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States.
Written and performed by Weekes, the production explores themes of environmental vulnerability, resilience and collective action while calling attention to the need for greater global climate equity.
The animation was produced by Saint Lucia-based Malfinis Film & Animation Studios under the direction of creative director Milton Branford.
According to Dr James Fletcher, founder of the Caribbean Climate Justice Project, the initiative seeks to use culture and creativity to make climate justice more accessible and engaging, particularly for younger audiences.
“The Caribbean continues to experience some of the most severe consequences of climate change despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions,” Fletcher said.
“This project uses the power of culture and creativity to make climate justice more relatable, accessible and engaging, particularly for younger audiences.”
The World Environment Day programme also featured a poetry presentation by Saint Lucian poet Kendel Hippolyte and the unveiling of a climate justice-themed painting by artist Jonathan Gladding.
Organisers said the project is part of a broader effort to strengthen public understanding of climate justice issues and amplify Caribbean perspectives in regional and international discussions on climate change.
They are encouraging individuals, schools and organisations across the region to use the video as an educational and advocacy tool.
Excellent work. We need more accessible education and advocacy about this significant issue within the Caribbean, and globally.