The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) says young people are driving the region’s sustainable energy transition.
This, as the region celebrates Energy Month with a number of panel discussions and webinars under the theme, ‘Invest In Sustainable Energy: Accelerate the Transition.’
One panellist, Electric Mobility Advisor to a firm in St. Lucia, Antonio Sealy, said he found that change management was a key component in the region’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
“Because a lot of the things are new, you don’t necessarily need the history of experience to pursue them. So I think that that is the distinct advantage that youth have as it relates to approaching a lot of the challenges and things that come with sustainable energy is because they are all new so it requires retooling and relearning for a lot of persons but now it is fresh learning for you as a youth.”
Project Development Specialist at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Sapphire Vital, said she used a number of different methods to network and stay ahead of the learning curve.
“Attending Conferences is another one. I always, for example, look forward to attending CRAF. I think Conferences like that really give you a good understanding or a snapshot what is happening in the region, in different countries and you can really learn a lot.”
Energy Specialist for the World Bank in Jamaica, Rochelle Johnson, noted that even small changes in behaviour should be encouraged in the quest for a sustainable energy future.
“Turning off the lights when not in use has, that simple action has significant impact when we accumulate. So, for me, I would say that awareness plays a very key role and the quicker we start the better, because it’s the future generations that will help to drive this change.”
And Programme Coordinator for Guyana Power and Light, Amir Dillawar, made a significant point in his closing remarks: “Ensuring that the upcoming generation also has this appreciation of why we’re really doing this. You know, this whole discussion about equality, equity, and justice with regard to what is happening our region, where we as region are feeling the effects for things that we have not necessarily contributed significantly to, so instilling that sense of urgency and continuing to instil it.”