Introduction
This report analyzes Trinidad and Tobago’s actions concerning the Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on affordable and clean energy and climate regulation. The report also contains current information as of April 2022 that relates to the policies of Trinidad’s state apparatus and identifies gaps in these activities. The study primarily focuses on providing an analytical review of the literature on the sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago and its compliance with contemporary notions of human rights, ethics, and business culture. National government actions relating to the environment also form a substantial part of the study.
An Overview of the SDGs in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a small island that gained independence less than 100 years ago. During this period, the state has tried to follow the principles of the Commonwealth of Nations. Still, substantial gaps remain in how it conducts its policies concerning sustainable development. Effective institutions regarding civil rights (1) are in place, but women continue to be underpaid and involved in sexual slavery. Studies from 2015-to 2016 show that women are more likely to be forced to work and still have their rights restricted, despite statements in 2020 government reports (1, 3). Strong patriarchal attitudes negatively affect Trinidad’s sustainable development (4, 8, 11). Education has deteriorated during the pandemic, but the government continues to introduce master’s and bachelor’s programs (2). The SDGs for health and advancement have significantly worsened because of the pandemic. According to a UN report, life expectancy has fallen in the past two years, and access to Covid-19 vaccines is still lacking in the Caribbean region (5). Thus, the SDGs on gender rights, economic development, and health continue below.
Statements by the Trinidadian government insist on participating in green SDGs. A small island is particularly exposed to climate change and external shocks, so the stock of economic resources for environmental restoration is insufficient (6). The government points to a lack of access to alternative funding sources for green innovation, despite a plethora of legislation to protect natural sites. Beginning in 2019, Trinidad participates in the Health and Climate Change Action Plan (7). The plan regulates how climate change protections are handled according to the state’s island system.
Sustainable Activities
Trinidad and Tobago’s sustainable performance is rated differently in each category. The UN notes that poverty has been eliminated, justified by stable access to work (9). However, indicators on hunger and well-being are insufficient, although improvements are noted due to the Caribbean Plan (7). As previously mentioned, the ethics of the Trinidadian government’s policy on gender equality is questionable (9). There are not enough women’s votes in the national parliament (SDGs 5 and 10). Unfortunately, compliance with the goals of the UN Global Compact has not yet been achieved. The ethical features of politics are pretty controversial, but the UN points to the growth of responsibility in this area. This segment is relevant to the country because it does not have the resources to establish equality.
Increased public and private spending largely contribute to the development of the educational segment. Despite the lack of economic resources, the government has high responsibility ratios and can reach a statistical plateau. The UN report demonstrates that these resources are still being saved on the green SDGs: 12-15 targets suffer significantly, causing the overall SDG index to drop to a critical 63.5 (9). For Trinidad, these goals will be most relevant because while the others are being met and acted upon, the country’s land and water continue to suffer. CO2 and SO2 emissions are high for Trinidad, and effective climate change regulatory tools are needed. The country’s primary sustainable resources are the profitable resources and the oil and gas business. However, there are gaps in the implementation of these activities.
Conclusion
Trinidad and Tobago has significantly increased its sustainability score over the past decade. The index rating reached 108 out of 165 in 2021, although less than half of the country’s resources were used for development (9). The progress in eliminating hunger and economic growth allows Trinidad to be seen as a stabilizing nation (10). Special attention is being paid to the protection of Trinidad’s aquatic environment. The MARIN project regulates the behavior concerning marine flora and fauna (12). It will positively impact SDG 14 and contribute to the successful conservation of the environment. Recent news also reports negative natural manifestations: the next two months is expected to be a drought season (13). It will probably worsen SDGs 6, 13, and 15, but the government is trying to warn farmers. Oil and gas production was also reported in late March (14). Trinidad’s energy ambitions can be realized at this very plant and will expand its economic market in the future.
Thus, Trinidad’s developments of social institutions and climate advances have become essential aspects of public resource management. The steady growth of gender equality contributes to international relations through the UN Global Compact of Human Rights (11). Trinidad’s strategic goals for climate regulation are essential, shaping the world’s green stock of gas, energy, and conservation. There is still room for action in the country, but already there is development according to the SDGs.