EARTH DAY 2026
April 22nd is Earth Day. As we celebrate our planet and discuss ways to protect it, let's not forget the impacts of climate change on the most vulnerable, like the citizens of Haiti.
In a study conducted between 1995 and 2024, Germanwatch ranked Haiti as the top nation most vulnerable to climate change effects. Haiti’s economy is mostly supported by agriculture 96% of the population is exposed to at least 2 climate hazards such as floods, drought, intense rainfall, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Natural disasters, of which Haiti is prone to, have intensified over the past decades creating major disruptions in development, and general quality of life.
In 2021 220,000 Haitians were displaced partly due to infrastructure destruction by a 7.2 earthquake. Last year, the Caribbean islands faced one of the strongest recorded Atlantic cyclones, Hurricane Melissa. Though Hurricane Melissa was mostly concentrated around Jamaica and Cuba, Haiti still saw the deaths of 43 citizens. Hurricane Melissa was undoubtedly exacerbated by climate change. Environmental protection organization, Climate Central, concluded that Hurricane Melissa’s winds were strengthened by 10 miles/hour due to climate change.
Haiti contributes very little to the global climate crisis, but due to its geography and lack of infrastructure, climate change has major effects on the country. While the rest of the world focuses on doing their part to slow climate change, Haiti needs to find ways to resist it.
Haiti outreach is committed to resisting climate change and our approach includes creating sustainable infrastructure, using sustainable practices whenever possible, and promoting climate conscious behavior. Our offices and guesthouse are 100% solarized, and our wells are environmentally sustainable as they use climate resistant materials. In our leadership coaching, we work with elected officials and high-ranking community leaders to teach not only sanitation practices and personal responsibility, we encourage leaders to promote proper use of the land to their communities.
Climate change is an active threat to our planet, but by taking action now and investing in our future, we can one day live in an environment that is healthy and safe for all.
