Since 2020, 350.org has led the Caribbean Climate Network (CCN) – a multilingual and multinational network of 54 activists and six local groups working together to pressure governments into taking the urgent action needed to help protect communities, support their adaptation to and recovery from the worst effects of the climate crisis, and strengthen resilience through renewable energy solutions. Through the CCN, we support local organizers with monthly training, one-on-one coaching, and direct support to plan campaigns and execute projects.
Tracey Edwards, founder of Plakortis Earth Cafe – CCN’s chapter in Jamaica – champions campaigns to build resilient communities through renewable energy. Her country faces intensifying hurricanes, leaving communities vulnerable when power outages strike. Without electricity, people lose more than just lights — essential medications spoil, the risk of heat stroke rises, and small businesses struggle to survive.
As a Type 1 diabetic, Tracey knows firsthand how these disruptions affect vulnerable groups, especially women and older adults. Her wake up call to join the climate movement came in 2004 with Hurricane Ivan, when losing electricity put her insulin — and her life — at risk. Since then, she has dedicated herself to reducing fossil fuel dependency and building sustainable, empowered communities.
“I fight for a world where no one feels forgotten, rejected, and ignored. We don’t want to just survive, but to thrive in the face of climate change. Now is the time to empower our communities to become energy-independent and resilient – and the only way to do that is through solutions that integrate renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and nature-based approaches”.
As part of CCN, Tracey and her team equip local institutions like churches and schools with the knowledge and tools to adopt solar power and other renewable solutions. In 2025, she plans to scale up her work — manufacturing and installing renewable energy systems – so that local families and organizations may easily access clean energy, at lower cost.
Her goal is clear: provide communities with practical, sustainable solutions to withstand stronger storms, prolonged power outages, and rising temperatures. Tracey’s work is a powerful example of communities leading the fight for climate resilience — by the people, for the people.
This is a story from 350.org’s 2024 Annual Report