WITH MORE than 200 peer-reviewed publications that have secured for the Caribbean representation in global climate science to its credit, the Climate Studies Group Mona (CGSM) recently celebrated three decades in operation.

In addition to the 200-plus publications, the CSGM has also shepherded 30-plus graduate students, creating what Professor Michael Taylor, who co-directs the group, calls “a cadre of highly skilled Caribbean science professionals”.

This is on top of producing four State of the Climate reports, “providing essential climate data for decision-makers” while boasting three Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) authors, “directly shaping the world’s leading climate assessments”; and having one visionary founder in the person of Professor Anthony Chen, a Nobel Peace Prize winner whose contributions have helped to distinguish The University of the West Indies (UWI) in the field of climate science.

CSGM has also attracted US$20 million in grants supporting what Taylor, himself a physicist, describes as “transformative initiatives like the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience project, and new innovative tools that help policymakers and other stakeholders to make best use of existing climate data in real time”.

But according to CSGM team lead, who spoke on the achievements of the group at the celebratory breakfast, held at the UWI last Thursday (March 13), they have also had significant impact beyond the numbers.

 “Through workshops, training programmes, and graduate research, the group has strengthened regional climate expertise. It would not be untrue if I said that many of today’s leading Caribbean climate scientists were once students of CSGM. Many of them are in the room today,” noted Taylor, who is also the dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at The UWI.

COLLABORATION IS KEY

“CSGM has [also] been at the heart of regional and international partnerships. From the Caribbean Climate Modellers’ Consortium involving Cuba, Barbados, Trinidad, Suriname and Belize, to projects like the Caribbean 1.5 Project, CSGM has helped show that notwithstanding limited individual capacity, the Caribbean can produce world-class climate science while working together,” he added.

Further, Taylor said the group, whose leadership he shares with Professor Tannecia Stephenson, has also been careful to deliver data that is useful.

It is little wonder therefore that the accolades have poured in from collaborators and beneficiaries alike.

“Earlier in my career I started a number of organisations that are still running decades later so I do know the pleasure of starting something and seeing it surviving and thriving in the way the CSGM has done. It is almost like watching your children grow up. So, my big congratulations to everyone for this milestone,” said Chair of the IPCCC, Professor Jim Skea.

“I think it’s also important to recognise that CSGM has really made its mark scientifically in terms of global excellence. That is important, especially since it has been covering topics of relevance to Jamaica and other islands in the Caribbean,” he added.

Dr Yves Personna, senior programme manager with the Caribbean Development Bank, among others, also had high praise for the group.

“At CDB, we value our longstanding and successful collaboration with CSGM in advancing access to reliable climate data and information across the Caribbean. Among our initiatives one of the most significant was the publication of the State of the Caribbean Climate Report in 2020 … The report has been a key resource for decision-makers across the region, helping to shift policies and strategies in critical economic sectors,” he noted.

“As we celebrate and reflect on the three decades of CSGM existence, I want to reaffirm CDB’s commitment to continue to work with CSGM … to [fill] climate data gaps and enhance Caribbean resilience,” Personna added.

Their achievements up to now notwithstanding, Taylor has said that there is yet more for the CSGM to do, given the range of climate threats to small island developing states.

Those threats include global warming, sea level rise, extreme hurricane events and the associated risk to freshwater resources, food security and public health.

“CSGM’s work has altered the way the Caribbean talks about, understands and prepares for climate change. But this is not the end of the journey … As we celebrate 30 years of excellence, we do not only look back with pride, we also look forward. And in the end, perhaps the most important legacy is the fact that we are in a position to not only look but also move forward, and to do so with purpose,” Taylor said.

Photo caption: Members of the Climate Studies Group Mona and Partners in attendance at the CSGM 30th Anniversary Celebration on hosted on March 13, 2025 in the Council Room, The Univesrity of the West Indies, Mona.

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