The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

AS The Bahamas confronts the growing effects of climate change, Taylor Cargill wants to broaden the national conversation beyond the environment and show young Bahamians how climate change intersects with nearly every part of their lives.

That perspective is at the heart of Ms Cargill’s work as the 2026-2027 Climate Change Youth Ambassador, where she will focus on interdisciplinary climate communications and helping young Bahamians understand how their own interests and talents can contribute to climate action.

The 23-year-old is using the one-year ambassadorship to promote greater awareness of how climate change affects the country while highlighting opportunities for young people to become part of the solution.

“We’re told that climate change is an environmental problem, when in reality, it’s an everything problem,” said Ms Cargill.

“It impacts every aspect of our lives, from our ecosystems to our health, energy systems, infrastructure, economy and livelihoods. But this also means that climate solutions can come from everywhere.”

Ms Cargill said her goal is to create educational resources that help young Bahamians connect their individual passions and skills to climate action.

Rather than treating climate change as an issue reserved for scientists or environmental professionals, she wants young people to recognise that there are many ways to contribute.

That could mean approaching climate action through communications, education, technology, business, the arts, community development or other fields.

Through the Climate Change Youth Ambassadorship, Ms Cargill will also lead community outreach, raise public awareness of climate issues and help drive national youth initiatives.

The role includes representing The Bahamas at international climate forums, including the Conference of the Parties (COP), as well as co-chairing the annual Bahamas Youth Climate Conference.

Ms Cargill said she is particularly interested in using the platform to amplify climate solutions already being developed locally and to help young people identify practical pathways to getting involved.

“I am excited to help amplify the many climate solutions that exist locally, and to share pathways and opportunities for action,” she said.

The Climate Change Youth Ambassadorship provides young Bahamians with a platform to represent the country, champion sustainable solutions and advance climate justice during a one-year term.

For Ms Cargill, however, climate action does not have to begin with a major initiative or a formal position.

Her message to other young Bahamians is simple: start now.

“Ask questions, explore your passions, connect with your peers, and find creative ways to get involved,” she said.