The Importance of Youth and Climate in a Reparatory Roadmap

September 26, 2023

Ferdison speaks to a group of students about youth involvement in the community and self-development.

Meet The Activist

Ferdison Valmond is a Climate Change and Indigenous Youth Advocate. The 20-year-old hails from the Commonwealth of Dominica and was raised in the Kaliango territory located in the eastern part of the island.  

At age 15, he established his first group aimed at increasing community involvement among young people. During secondary school, Valmond became interested climate change which led him to represent Dominica at a youth climate change summit hosted by the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Centre. 

Valmond holds a certificate in public relations from the University of the West Indies Dominica, a Diploma in news journalism from the London School of Journalism and is currently enrolled at Dominica State College undergoing an associate degree in paralegal studies. 

He serves as President of the Kalinago Inspirators Youth Group, as well as Vice-President of the Eastern District Youth Council of Dominica. He is the National Coordinator for the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, a student Ambassador to the Leaders Readers Network, UBUNTU United Nations Leaders Network, FXB Climate advocate, member of YOUNGO, and the CLIMATE Change Network.  

Additionally, he serves as Dominica’s country coordinator for the Global Youth Parliament and currently holds the position of Youth Representative to the United Nations Youth Advisory Group for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, as well as Youth Liaison for French speaking territories.  

Valmond is now focused on the impacts of climate change on Indigenous people as well as the preservation of their culture and traditions. He strongly believes that involving young people in decision-making processes is crucial for securing a sustainable future. By listening to young people’s perspectives and ideas and involving them in policy and action-making, we can create a more just and equitable world for all. 

What is the impact of climate change on the Caribbean and is there a connection to the legacy of enslavement and colonialism? 

Climate change has had a significant impact on the Caribbean region, the effects of which have been exacerbated by the legacy of enslavement and colonialism. Climate change has played a role in the intensification of hurricanes in the Caribbean, the rise in sea levels and coastal erosion, coral bleaching and a decline in marine biodiversity. 

Addressing both the consequences of climate change and the long-lasting effects of enslavement and colonialism in the Caribbean calls for a comprehensive approach that includes climate adaptation strategies, sustainable development initiatives, and endeavours to promote social and economic fairness. In other words, chattel slavery can never be placed apart from climate since the crisis started with the introduction of chattel slavery.  

What is the impact of climate change on the Caribbean and is there a connection to the legacy of enslavement and colonialism? 

Climate change has had a significant impact on the Caribbean region, the effects of which have been exacerbated by the legacy of enslavement and colonialism. Climate change has played a role in the intensification of hurricanes in the Caribbean, the rise in sea levels and coastal erosion, coral bleaching and a decline in marine biodiversity. 

Addressing both the consequences of climate change and the long-lasting effects of enslavement and colonialism in the Caribbean calls for a comprehensive approach that includes climate adaptation strategies, sustainable development initiatives, and endeavours to promote social and economic fairness. In other words, chattel slavery can never be placed apart from climate since the crisis started with the introduction of chattel slavery.  

Ferdison Valmond, Dominica's Global Youth Parliament and Youth Representative to the United Nations Youth Advisory Group for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

Is there a link between climate reparations and reparations for chattel enslavement?  

Climate reparations and reparations for chattel enslavement can be seen as complementary in addressing past injustices and promoting justice in social, economic, and environmental aspects. Although the specific contexts and goals of these two types of reparations differ, they can intersect in the following ways beginning with the historical context. Climate change and the enduring effects of chattel enslavement both have their origins in historical injustices and exploitative systems. Enslaved Africans were forcefully brought to the Caribbean and Americas, enduring immense suffering, while the exploitation of natural resources and labour during the colonial era has contributed to climate change. Acknowledging and rectifying these historical injustices is crucial to both climate and chattel enslavement reparations. 

Secondly, reparations for chattel enslavement seek to address the ongoing socioeconomic inequalities and systemic racism that persist as a result of the chattel slavery and its aftermath. Climate reparations aim to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, including those with a history of colonisation and chattel enslavement. Both seek to address systemic injustice, promote equity, and ensure that marginalised communities receive support and redress for the harm they have faced. 

Can reparations for chattel enslavement be climate-sensitive? 

Reparations for chattel enslavement can indeed be climate-sensitive. The issue of climate change is a global crisis that has a disproportionate effect on marginalised communities. This includes the descendants of enslaved individuals who have historically faced systemic oppression and environmental injustice. Acknowledging this, climate-sensitive reparations would recognise and address the specific vulnerabilities and consequences of climate change on these communities. 

Climate-sensitive reparations would involve the implementation of measures that consider both the intersectionality of historical injustices and the impacts of climate change. This could include initiatives such as environmental restoration, where investments are made in projects that restore and safeguard ecosystems in areas where the descendants of enslaved people live. By focusing on activities such as reforestation, wetland restoration, or sustainable agriculture practices, these efforts would enhance resilience to climate change while also addressing the historical ecological damage. 

Why are youth voices important in the reparations movement?  

Youth voices, particularly those of Caribbean youths, play a crucial role in the movement for reparatory justice. As young individuals, we not only experience the direct consequences of historical injustices, but we also possess a distinct perspective and energy that can fuel substantial change. It is we who will inherit a world moulded by past injustices, and we hold a deep interest in shaping reparatory justice endeavours to ensure a more fair and just future.  

Our fresh outlooks and innovative ideas have the potential to challenge the existing norms and present creative solutions to intricate issues. Through amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals, mobilising collective action, and influencing policy, we can draw attention to the necessity for reparations and advocate for meaningful progress.