Perspectives is an ongoing series by Cari-Bois which aims to give Caribbean scientists, explorers, and nature enthusiasts a platform to express themselves and share important environmental information in creative ways and through commentary. This story was written by Suemita Teeluck and published with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture of Climate Tracker and Open Society Foundations.
Are we comfortable with environmental degradation?
One day, I was walking along the litter-strewn streets of Couva and thought to myself how desensitized we have grown to garbage.
These were the same streets that I grew up on and it’s alarming how accustomed we’ve become to the sight of garbage that we hardly notice anymore.
One can argue that, at its core, the mistreatment of nature in Trinidad and Tobago is more than an environmental crisis.
How Trinbagonians interact with nature can also reflect deeper issues of diminished empathy and compassion.
The consequences of flooding, deforestation, and pollution are all undeniably problems that must be faced.
But the disconnection from, and indifference towards, the environment in Trinidad and Tobago is also a major problem as nature is too often viewed as something to be exploited rather than respected and cared for.
It’s not far-fetched to think that apathy and detachment have driven environmental degradation.
Why do so many ignore the urgent warnings of climate experts?
Why is the destruction of habitats met with indifference instead of outrage?
A “Mistreatment of Nature” survey was conducted in November 2024 by a youth activist and their findings stated, “Most people tend to ignore things that are upsetting or bleak, whether those bleak ideas are facts.
“Most people don’t consider non-human survival as important, nor do most people stop to think about the impact our wider environment has on our survival as a species.”
Can a cultural shift serve as a “resistance” to environmental degradation?
What will be key to minimising environmental degradation in Trinidad is a “resistance” to the reluctance that some may have to accept any personal responsibility and confront societal shortcomings.
While it’s true that individual action alone cannot offset the environmental damage caused by corporations, irresponsible elites, or even emerging technologies like AI, personal responsibility still plays a crucial role.
Addressing environmental degradation requires a cultural shift toward empathy for nature and an understanding that everyone’s lives depend on nature.
This means recognising how everyday choices, such as reducing waste or supporting sustainable policies, contribute to a broader environmental ethic.
At the same time, we must hold corporations and governments accountable for their environmental impact.
All of this must contribute to fostering a collective sense of stewardship.
How can a cultural shift be facilitated?
Addressing environmental crisis requires more than assuming modern society will adopt new values.
Both ecocentric principles, which emphasise caring relationships with nature, and the development of empathy can serve as powerful tools for fostering a society grounded in ecological responsibility.
Part of the work must be combating the rise of individualism which has played a significant role in environmental degradation.
An individualist mindset often prioritises personal comfort over environmental impact.
There’s a saying that “change begins at home” and I’ve had to do work with my own family to confront these issues of individualism and environmental degradation.
For example, my younger sister insisted on using single-use plastic straws because she dislikes how “cold” reusable metal straws feel.
Unfortunately, her convenience took precedence over reducing plastic waste which reflected a common struggle between personal comfort and environmental responsibility.
But having conversations with my younger sister and teaching her about the importance of reducing single-use plastics has been a work in progress and a real-life example of how we can all take actions at small levels and in our homes.
Similarly, my mother continues to support major chain stores, believing that her individual purchases have little impact on the broader environment.
This notion overlooks the cumulative effect of consumer behaviour, where collective small actions – positive or negative – can create substantial environmental consequences.
Shifting toward ecological consciousness requires breaking these habitual patterns through education, policy changes, and fostering a culture that values sustainability.
When individuals recognise the broader implications of their choices, meaningful environmental change becomes possible.
The future is our choice
It is now up to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to decide what the country’s relationship will look like in the future.
People must reflect deeply on their actions and really understand that every “small” act of disrespect towards the natural environment is causing irreparable harm.
For example, if you toss a plastic fork on the floor, truly think about how much harm you are causing?
If you know it may end up in the drains, but you think “it’s just one plastic fork, it’s not a big deal,” then you are part of the problem.
What if one in every three people thought that way?
People often choose the easiest solution for themselves on a daily basis.
More times than not, that decision is harmful and it’s time people start thinking more about just how much effect they have on the world around them.
We’ve reached a point where many have forgotten that kindness is free.
Whether it’s holding a door open for someone with full hands, offering a simple “good morning” to a stranger, or taking a few extra steps to properly dispose of litter – none of these things cost a thing.
They are simple acts of decency that require little effort but make a world of difference.
Fear-driven tactics or guilt shouldn’t be the motivators for actions that people should inherently care about.
Doing the right thing should be natural, not something forced upon us.
In Trinidad and Tobago, we love a good deal.
The idea of something being “free” resonates deeply with us.
Well, compassion for our planet and its inhabitants comes at no cost.
It’s effortless to approach the climate crisis with empathy, to see the world – and each other – with kindness.
That’s the best deal we can offer ourselves and future generations and I encourage everyone to take it.
