Belle's Passion for Climate

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Belle Adams is very concerned about the impact of the climate crisis on the future of the world, specifically her region, the Caribbean. But the 11-year-old girl from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is optimistic about the gains that can be made if leaders include children when making critical decisions. 

Belle placed first in the essay competition of this year’s Caribbean Child Research Conference in Antigua and Barbuda with a composition titled: “Our Voice Counts in Addressing Climate Change”. 

The student of Saint Vincent Girls’ High School explained that her focus on climate change stems from the undeniable impact of climate change over the last year which included record breaking heat in some places.  

“Over the last few years we have had some very strong hurricanes. No one is spared, so I thought that I should bring some awareness to the topic,” Belle explains. 

In her essay, Belle declared there was “moral duty” for the views of children to be respected no matter how complex the issue became. 

“We cannot just sit passively. We are stakeholders of the future and key agents of change,” Belle said in her essay. “Decisions made today, especially about climate change, may take years to be felt and seen… therefore, it is important to listen to our voices… and ensure that we have a seat at the climate change table.” 

In addition to climate change, Belle is passionate about youth mental health and raising awareness about the needs of babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy - also known as preterm babies. 

“I am a preterm baby, so I am one in ten babies born too soon. I like bringing awareness to tiny warriors like myself, so that more research and equipment can go into giving each baby a fighting chance,” she explained. 

Belle’s favourite subjects are English Language, French and Science. But outside of school, she favours competitive swimming and playing the piano. 

“I am very optimistic about the future. I believe that young people can make a difference… they just need to be able to speak out, be listened to and allowed to help where they can,” she added.