Caribbean joins worldwide “¡Draw the Line!” week urging change to sustainable energy solutions

The worldwide week of activism known as ¡Draw the Line! saw participation from individuals across 97 nations, uniting in their call to end reliance on fossil fuels and advocate for an equitable transition to sustainable energy sources. Within the Caribbean, local activists organized a series of events to raise awareness about regional climate challenges and push for immediate action. The campaign concludes on Sunday, September 21, according to a press release from Caribbean Climate Network.

CCN reported that in Puerto Rico, a notable gathering took place at Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas, involving students, seniors, activists, and community residents. Participants engaged in activities designed to reflect on how the climate and energy crises are affecting daily life, emphasizing the critical need for locally driven energy solutions that prioritize community and worker rights.

Representatives from organizations such as Somos el Cambio PR and grassroots leaders from 350.org—an international climate justice group—spoke at the event. Their messages underscored Puerto Rico’s potential to serve as a model for just energy transition throughout the Caribbean region.

Amira Odeh Quiñones, Caribbean Regional Director for 350.org, stated, “We are calling for action because Puerto Rico has a unique potential for accessible renewable energy and an urgent need for government measures to protect us from disasters,” said Amira Odeh Quiñones, Caribbean Regional Director for 350.org. “On the 8th anniversary of Hurricane Maria, it is clear that we cannot wait until the next disaster to decide what to do. We must act now to ensure access to energy, water, and communication systems that will save lives.”

This Puerto Rican mobilization was part of a broader wave of climate action across the Caribbean:

– In Jamaica, a rally at a local school highlighted how extreme heat is impacting students and workers.

– In Trinidad and Tobago, activists held an event on the beach coupled with a community tea party featuring native herbs under threat from climate change. “We cannot wait until we are all submerged in hot waters, like the tea we shared today, to take climate action. We want action now,” declared activist Katrina Khan-Roberts.

– In Haiti, residents participated in a community workshop demanding more robust climate policies amid ongoing political and environmental instability.

This collective effort arrives at a critical juncture, said CCN, as global leaders prepare to convene at COP30 in Brazil in a matter of weeks. Meanwhile, climate commitments reportedly remain insufficient, and fossil fuel corporations continue to expand their influence. The Network also wrote that communities throughout the Caribbean and worldwide are urging urgent decisions and measures to safeguard their lives, lands, and cultural heritage.

‘Through this mobilization, Caribbean voices joined a powerful global call in defense of life and the right to a shared future,” wrote CCN.