The Invisibility Crisis: Caribbean SIDS in the Age of Climate Power

There is an unspoken truth about power—it is not evenly distributed. The ability to dictate the global response to climate change, to set the terms of resilience, and to decide who gets funding and who does not, belongs to the powerful. And for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, this power imbalance has created an invisibility crisis that is as existential as the rising seas.

The world’s climate agenda is shaped by those with economic and geopolitical clout. The biggest polluters determine emission reduction targets. The wealthiest nations structure climate finance mechanisms. The most industrialized economies define what “sustainable” looks like, often through a lens that excludes the lived realities of the most vulnerable. In this global hierarchy, Caribbean SIDS are rarely more than a footnote—recognized in speeches, perhaps, but not in decision-making spaces where real power is wielded.

For decades, Caribbean leaders have spoken with urgency about the threats to our economies, our cultures, our very existence. Yet, climate finance remains elusive, adaptation costs remain unbearable, and loss and damage—despite finally making it onto the global agenda—remains a promise without delivery. The world’s most powerful nations continue to move at their own pace, crafting climate solutions that serve their interests first, while we scramble to rebuild after each hurricane, fight for access to concessional financing, and navigate the contradictions of being deemed “too wealthy” for aid but too vulnerable to ignore.

Where Do the Powerless Turn?

If history has taught us anything, it is that power rarely concedes without resistance. Caribbean nations cannot wait for recognition to be bestowed upon us—we must force our visibility into spaces where decisions are made. But how?

1. Leverage Collective Influence: Alone, a single small island may struggle to be heard. Together, as a regional bloc, Caribbean SIDS can amplify their demands. The alliance of SIDS across the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean should serve as a powerful negotiating force—not a fragmented collection of struggling nations, but a unified front demanding accountability.

2. Rewrite the Narrative: The world must stop seeing SIDS solely as victims. While the threats we face are dire, we are also leaders in resilience, innovation, and sustainable development. From pioneering blue economy models to creating climate-smart tourism, we bring solutions to the table. Our stories must not just be about suffering—they must also be about strength.

3. Strategic Partnerships Beyond the Traditional Power Brokers: If the major economies continue to sideline our needs, we must diversify our alliances. Engaging with climate-conscious private sector entities, philanthropic organizations, and influential advocacy groups can unlock new sources of funding and support.

4. Demand Accountability: The promises made at global climate summits must not be allowed to dissolve into political theater. Caribbean nations must be relentless in tracking commitments, calling out failures, and demanding transparency.

Invisibility is not just about being unseen—it is about being unheard, unconsidered, and ultimately unprotected. The global climate stage may be dominated by the powerful, but the powerless still have voices. The challenge is ensuring that the world has no choice but to listen.