Suriname Underwater: Are Our Cities Ready for the Future of Climate Change?

Here in Meerzorg, we know it well: water is part of our daily lives. It surrounds us, it gives us life, but sometimes, it also frightens us. With climate change hot on our heels, the question is no longer if Suriname will face more water, but when and how it will affect us. This is a topic that, as young people and parents, we need to understand and confront together.

The Invisible Threat: The Rising Sea and the Sky That Weeps Harder

Global warming isn’t just a distant headline; it’s a reality felt in every wave that hits our coast. For Suriname, this translates into two main threats: rising sea levels and more frequent and severe floods.

Imagine the sea, little by little, starting to gain ground on the land. It’s not a sudden tsunami, but a slow yet relentless advance. Our low-lying coasts, where most of our population and our capital, Paramaribo, reside, are incredibly vulnerable. This means that areas that are safe today could be at constant risk of flooding tomorrow.

And it’s not just the sea. Global warming also alters rainfall patterns. We’re seeing periods of extreme drought followed by torrential downpours that overwhelm the capacity of our drainage systems. Do you remember the floods in Paramaribo a few years ago that paralyzed the city, with cars floating and people seeking shelter? Those events could become more common and intense.

Paramaribo and Meerzorg: The Heart of Vulnerability

Our beloved cities, with their historic charm and vibrant life, are built on low-lying lands and often below sea level. This places us on the front lines of climate change impacts.

Let’s think about how a major flood affects a family in Paramaribo or right here in Meerzorg:

• Loss of homes and belongings: Houses, especially the most humble ones, are the first to suffer structural damage. Furniture, appliances, important documents… everything can be lost.

• Disruption of daily life: Impassable streets, closed schools, difficulty getting to work or accessing health services. The local economy suffers, and families struggle to return to normalcy.

• Health risks: Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquito-borne diseases and bacteria. Sanitation is compromised, and access to clean drinking water becomes a challenge.

Climate Justice and Our Defenses: Who Pays the Price?

This is where climate justice becomes evident. When streets flood and drainage systems fail, who are the most affected? Often, it’s not those with the resources to move to higher ground or rebuild their homes. It’s the communities with fewer resources, those already facing other challenges, who bear the brunt of recovery.

Our infrastructure, much of it historical, was built for a different climate. Are our coastal defenses (the dikes and seawalls that protect us from the sea) up to the task of a constantly rising ocean? Are our drainage systems (the gutters and canals that should evacuate rainwater) sufficient to handle increasingly intense downpours? Our opinion is that the answer, in many cases, is no. We need urgent modernization and planning that looks to the future, not just the past.

Uncomfortable Questions for Reflection (and Action)

As citizens, we have the right and the responsibility to ask uncomfortable questions:

• How prepared are we really? Do we have clear and accessible evacuation plans for everyone?

• Are the necessary investments being made to protect our most vulnerable communities? Are funds being used efficiently and transparently?

• Are our builders and urban planners aware of these risks? Are we building with foresight, adapting our buildings and roads to withstand water impacts?

Actions We Can Demand and Support as a Community

We cannot stand idly by. As young people and parents, we can be a powerful force for change:

• Demand Resilient Urban Planning: Urge our authorities to develop urban development plans that consider sea-level rise and flooding. This includes smart zoning, building with water-resistant materials, and protecting natural spaces that act as “sponges.”

• Support Drainage System Improvement: Participate in community discussions about sanitation and drainage. Cleaning gutters and improving water pumps are vital. It’s an ongoing effort!

• Protect and Restore Mangroves: Our mangroves are an incredible natural defense against rising seas and storm surges. They are vital for biodiversity and act as protective barriers. Support mangrove reforestation initiatives and report their destruction.

• Educate and Prepare as a Family: Talk at home about the risks and how to prepare for a flood (having an emergency kit, knowing safe routes). Involve your children in school projects that address climate resilience.

• Raise Your Voice: Participate in public surveys, attend community meetings, write to your representatives. Your opinion, backed by knowledge, has the power to influence local government decisions.

A Suriname prepared for the future is a Suriname where every family feels safe, where our cities can withstand the challenges of a changing climate. It’s a collective effort that requires vision, investment, and the active participation of each and every one of us.

What measures do you think are most urgent to protect our cities and communities from the impact of climate change in Suriname? Share your opinion, we want to hear from you!