Interview with Daniel Abreu Mejía
Daniel is the UN Climate Change: Learn focal point in the Dominican Republic. Being involved in climate change research and project management within the last 7 years, he has been on both sides of the research and NGO perspective. His experience as a researcher, activist, and consultant has given him a holistic perspective on the role in international development and politics within the discussion of climate change. As part of the Transparency International Delegation, he has also played a critical part in conversations and negotiations centered around the topic. Currently, Daniel’s work in the Dominican Republic is focused on climate change education and we take some time to discuss his views of climate change and how they reflect in society and politics on the island.
INTERVIEW
Considering the geographical location and complicated environmental past, how do you see climate change affecting the island?
Well, it is clear that Haiti is the more affected area. According to the Germanwatch e.V. Climate Change Index, the island as a whole is one of the most vulnerable places in the world for climate change. On the 2018 index, both countries are in the top 10. The important fact is that the Germanwatch e.V. analysis is not a forecast, but an analysis of the past 20 years. Therefore, the island is already considering past events as one of the most affected territories in the world related to climate change. Something that is, and has been, already happening
What kind of resources would face the biggest impact?
In the present and future, the biggest resource for us is water - in all senses. We have more water where we don’t need it, and we have less water where we need water. So, we are having more flooding, and at the same time, more desertification; both happening in parallel. Especially vulnerable is the border region, one of the driest areas in the country. Here, there is a very sensitive space where both countries share a vulnerable scenario. This has met political implications because situations on the border eventually, at some point, can get out of control. Climate change is a potential trigger for threats that are present right now, specifically in the DR where you have the poorest region in the country along the border. The poorest region in the country is, and at the same time, the most vulnerable to climate change. I would say that, in this area, it is the most explosive combination looking into the future.
Where is the connection between politics on climate change and local planning?
In terms of the DR, planning is very very weak. All projects try to strengthen local planning but in relation to climate change they have not been very successful. Small advances have been made, but nowhere close to what we need to have as resilient communities; especially for those in coastal areas. The most vulnerable communities are the ones that are in areas prone to floods and desertification. So, at this point, the connection doesn’t look too promising. I’m usually very optimistic, but I must admit that the Dominican Republic is a very centralized political system. Here, the political government has most of the control, even in the local communities. Municipalities have little power or political responsibilities. They have very limited legal responsibilities. Most of the burden and reasonability comes from the central government, which creates a very complicated governance dynamic at the local level. Also, the government structure related to climate change is insufficient. The Ministry of Environment and the Climate Change Presidential Counsel are both underfunded and don’t have enough technical employees to do the work. I know this personally through my own work. Little has been done on the local level and it is a pendant task in the country. There is maybe one municipality that has done interesting work; Jarabacoa. The city of Jarabacoa has declared a goal to become a zero emissions community in a few years. I don’t think they have the capacity to do that, but that fact that they have the aim and goal is one of promises of the country. I know the government is aware of this weakness and has some plans to devote more resources, both financially and technically, to support more local governments; especially the ones that are more vulnerable.
What would you like to see for the future of the Dominican Republic in response to climate change?
To be honest, I think climate change could potentially be a distraction in terms of politics, if it’s dealt in isolation. Which is difficult because climate change connects so many issues but I believe there has to be an integration with other sustainability issues. I would say in that sense, that the regional sustainable development goals are a reasonable frame work. Climate change has to be viewed in the context of other sustainable issues we face because they are all interconnected. As a society, it doesn’t really matter if we tackle climate change if we don’t go deeper. Climate change is a system of something deeper and that is the separation of human society from natural cycles. Our economy, society and political systems are out of synch with the natural cycles and we are basically outdated. Our political, societal and economic system comes from a 300-year-old mindset that really hasn’t been abated for the scientific research that has developed all these years. We are not matching the structural changes with the scientific knowledge we have now. Climate change is the result of the same things that cause pollution of natural resources, it stems from a place of ignorance and arrogance. I am very supportive of the indigenous knowledge, I believe they have the true wisdom to understand humility and the need for humans to adapt to natural cycles, and not the other way around. The other way around, is what we’re facing now.
What are you focused on as you move ahead in your work?
I am developing a children’s education project to support them in being earth guardians. Not only in climate change but on a more holistic perspective that will teach them the technical environmental/climate change information and offer training opportunities to become leaders and diplomats. In this sense, they can engage in conversations with politicians and people in power to foster change. I want the younger generation to understand first that they have to make the change in their own lives congruent with sustainable practices, and then have the ability to encourage other people to join them. I believe we need to do this not on the basis of fear, which is often displayed in the media, but with a more positive approach to work with the earth for lasting progress and change.
