The front lines of climate change

"The Latin American and Caribbean region is in an asymmetrical position in relation to climate change. The region has made a historically small contribution to climate change yet it is highly vulnerable to our changing climate owing to its geography, climate, socioeconomic conditions and demographic factors."
- The Economics of Climate Change in Latin America and the Caribbean

Our changing climate is forcing vulnerable communities in the developing world to confront less rain, hotter summers and extreme weather that is reducing crop yields, increasing risks from communicable disease and disrupting local economies.

Walking Palms builds community resilience on the front lines of climate change.

Ecuador - Local Programming, Education, Research

We design and implement community-led health initiatives in Bahía de Caráquez, a city of 20,000 on Ecuador’s pacific coast in the rural province of Manabí. This agricultural region is located just south of the equator and has traditionally benefited from a wet and warm climate. Manabí is known across Ecuador for growing and distributing high quality produce and our beaches, wildlife and cuisine attract visitors from throughout the country and the world.

But in recent years, extreme weather has led to shortened growing seasons and lower crop yields. In an area where the primary economic drivers are dependent on mother nature, climate change is rapidly altering long standing cultural and economic practices. Fewer work opportunities has led to outmigration, further depressing the local economy, and strained financial situations are leading to higher incidence of mental illness and domestic violence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further burdened this resilient and passionate community which is still recovering from the 2016 earthquake. The Walking Palms team is proud to be an integral part of Bahía’s rebuilding efforts, supporting local leaders and building community resilience throughout our region.

Caribbean - Education, Research

In collaboration with The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and local partners, Walking Palms is helping improve the region's capacity to detect, evaluate and respons to the outbreak of climate-sensitive infectious diseases.

CLICK HERE to find out more about work with CARPHA