Bahamian Student Attends COP26 In Glasgow

The Bahamas’ technical team is heading home from Glasgow as COP26 came to a close today.

Among those representing the country at the United Nations Climate Change summit is a Bahamian college student, who hopes to see more young Bahamians get involved in climate action.

Vaughnique Toote reports.

When The Bahamas government invited Kariel Stuart to attend COP26 in Glasgow as a youth ambassador, it was a no-brainer for the university of Florida student, who has become a strong advocate for climate action. 

Stuart was just 18 when she volunteered during clean-up efforts in the aftermath of hurricane Dorian, which wreaked havoc on Grand Bahama and Abaco in 2019.

To this day, we have no idea just how many lives Dorian claimed. Officials have warned the monster storm could be just the beginning if meaningful steps aren’t taken to tackle climate change.

Stuart’s passion goes beyond volunteer work. She is currently studying environmental management, agriculture and natural resources.

We caught up with the 20-year-old between sessions at the UN Climate Change Summit.

She said it was important for her to hear the perspectives of people from other nations impacted by climate change and to share with others the impact it is having on The Bahamas.

Though young climate activists have long felt ignored by older generations of leaders, Stuart insisted it is time for her generation to claim its seat at the table.

COP26, which is the 26th conference of parties, came to a close today.  The latest version of the COP26 draft agreement, which was released today shows division among the parties on who should pay for the impacts of the climate crisis.