The first step.................

The first thing I wanted to know is, what is Climate Change?

a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

Climate change seems to take the world over completely! And Curacao is not exempt from this change. We have two seasons dry and rainy but it’s becoming more dry than rainy. Because of the North East Breeze that we enjoy makes the weather bearable. Rainy season starts 1st of October and it seems that there is no rain in sight. But we will keep on hoping.

Many years ago, during slavery and after, the slaves and the community had their way of constructing their home in a way that it stays cool. Cow dung, coral stone and Aloe Vera were used to build the walls. Water reservoir (Regenbak) were build close to their homes so water was always available. All the homes that came after that season in time was built differently. Water waste, too much water is wasted it must be kept.

They were better equip to deal with climate change. In this modern time and age we built our homes differently. I think it is the wrong way to deal with nature. In my opinion it is very difficult for women to deal with this climate change in her community. But women will look for ways to take care of their family no matter what. We are multi task and no matter the circumstances we will make it one or the other. Maybe leaving the heavy hard work for the night and light work for during the day.

Air pollution is always a big concern for many. We have on Curacao since 1914 a refinery. That means that after 1914 pollution became a problem but men was not able to see it as a problem for their health but for what it was, an opportunity! After a 100 years we have a strong support group in place. The support group is fighting for this situation to stop. The change in the weather makes it worst for the people that lives in the area where the refinery is located because all the pollution hang in the area. To be clear air pollution is well spoken about almost every day in the media.

Climate change need to be spoken about here in Curacao and around the world! With the help of others I will look for ways to get in touch with government where I can visit the parliament and share my concern. I don’t know if I’m going to make it but I will try. There is always a way to make our world better by taking the first step…………………

It’s time to act!

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase. - Martin Luther King-