The Coconut Tree, also referred to as the “Tree of Life”, is one of the most popular symbols of Caribbean imagery. From music, to food to art, the tropical drupe has become synonymous with Caribbean culture.
With a plethora of potential uses, from coconut oil to coconut water and a variety of nutritional benefits, the global demand for coconuts has recently surged by over 700%, resulting in a renewed interest reviving the Caribbean’s coconut industry. Most revitalization programmes have focused on socio-economic benefits, while the industry’s role in climate change adaptation and mitigation has been sorely neglected.
Globally, scientists have estimated that approximately 3 million tonnes of Carbon need to be removed from the atmosphere with 25% to 35% originating from unsustainable practices within the agriculture industry.
According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) CO2emissions in the English-speaking Caribbean were 21.94 metric tonnes per capita in 2011— more than three times the world average of 6.73 metric tonnes per capita. Despite the region’s total emissions representing less than 0.2% of the world total, a reduction in emissions per capita is urgently required. Read more