In Conversation with Amber Turner

The Bahamian Youth Climate Activist on the Plight of Small Island Nations, Women’s Representation in Politics, and Art as a Vehicle for Climate Education

Image courtesy of Amber Turner. Photo by Jemonique Barnabie.

Amber Turner is a young Bahamian climate and environmental activist. She began her climate journey as an undergraduate student studying Small Island Sustainability at The University of The Bahamas with a focus on marine science and ecosystems management. During this time, Amber developed a strong interest in the field, prompting her to further her studies with a Master’s in Climate and Environmental Science at The University of The West Indies in Barbados.

While in Barbados, Amber learned about the policies that govern our interactions with the environment and reflected on what needs to be regulated under international conventions. Experiencing Hurricane Dorian was a pivotal moment for her. Witnessing the degradation of coral reefs and mangroves, along with issues related to agriculture and soil fertility, she realized the urgent need for action and asked herself, “If not me, then who?” 

She chose to focus on policy, acknowledging the gender gap in policymaking and the need for greater gender diversity in politics. She explains, “Women are not equitably represented, yet they are the most affected by the climate crisis. As a young Bahamian woman, I hope that once I am in the policy space, I can contribute to the narrative around climate impacts and bring about justice for those who look like me and share my desire for change.” 

Artistry in the Archipelago Conservation Cove Community Day Pop-Up. May 2024.

Amber believes that everyone should have a basic understanding of climate change and that environmental impacts must be communicated in an accessible format. She co-founded Artistry in the Archipelago, a climate education initiative with Lauren Ritchie, founder of The Eco Justice Project, to bridge the gap between conservationists and the creative community. Amber describes, “Lauren is a dear friend of mine. We grew up together and entered the environmental space around the same time, but we took different paths. She’s more of a storyteller and writer, while I’m more focused on science and policy. Last year at the Regional Youth Climate Conference in Barbados, I saw her present on creative ways to communicate climate change and told her, ‘Girl, we need to bring this home!’” 

Their initiative aims to connect artists and environmentalists and inspire Bahamian environmental stewardship through storytelling, visual art, and writing. “Scientists often work in silos, while artists play a crucial role in attracting the public, influencing movements, and shaping culture. This collaboration helps us develop a collective understanding of the problem we all face and work towards a solution.” Their efforts, including painting and poetry workshops, community pop-ups, and educational events, have positively impacted their community, engaging people from ages 6 to 60, with plans for many more events in the future. 

Painting workshop at the Artistry in the Archipelago inaugural event. January 2024.

Eco-crafts workshop at the Artistry in the Archipelago inaugural event. January 2024.

Amber’s work has been recognized by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas for her dedication to forging a sustainable future for the country. She has recently been appointed as The Bahamas Youth Ambassador to the United Nations to amplify youth voices and champion youth-led climate policies and initiatives. She feels fortunate to have attended numerous national and international events and is proud to advocate for small island developing states (SIDS). “In the international community, our plight may be mentioned, but there is rarely a representative from small islands to advocate on our behalf and share our perspective. Being that face for The Bahamas and a voice for SIDS means the world to me.” 

Image courtesy of Amber Turner. United National Headquarters in New York City.

Amber presented at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum in New York City, where she sat alongside the President of ECOSOC and other members to discuss Caribbean islands’ futures. She also participated in the first SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit in Antigua, focusing on solutions for challenges faced by small island communities. “It was a great opportunity to partner and network with small islanders from the Pacific, from the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, South China Sea (AIS), and the Caribbean. We exchanged ideas, learned more about the challenges faced by our regions, and raised our voices for world leaders to understand what we want and expect.” Most recently, Amber attended the 60th Subsidiary Body Meetings in Bonn, Germany. “I witnessed how the international community interacts with youth and SIDS. It was insightful, though somewhat disappointing and disheartening. I saw how small island representatives had to fight to be heard, even when ignored, and I was grateful for the exposure to this very real issue.” 

Image courtesy of Amber Turner. SIDS Youth Action Summit in Antigua.

She considers her greatest achievement to be earning her master’s degree. Despite the program's challenges, having a degree in a field crucial to her country brings her immense joy. “Small islands safeguard a large percentage of the world’s biodiversity, but beyond that, they are home to people with cultures worth preserving and communities deserving of a fighting chance.” Her drive to advocate for The Bahamas is inspired by Sir Lynden Pindling, the first Prime Minister of the Bahamas, who said, “If Bahamians aren’t willing to fight for the Bahamas, then we don’t deserve it.”

Amber is committed to protecting and preserving The Bahamas’ unique culture and biodiversity for future generations. “I’ve seen the science and predictions for our future. I want my children, their children, and their children’s children to experience conch salad and regattas and not become climate refugees. We deserve a livable home, free from a crisis we didn’t create.” 

A few Bahamian women in climate advocacy who inspire Amber include Dr. Adelle Thomas, Gail Woon, Rashema Ingraham, Lashanti Jupp, Lauren Ritchie, Marjahn Finlayson, and Ashawnte Russell. She is grateful to be among this network of impactful women and hopes to inspire more young Bahamian women to engage in climate action. “Working in this space can become very grim, but I hold on to the hope that our efforts are not in vain. I am driven by the desire for my Bahamian people to continue their way of life without life-threatening crises. I push because it’s worth it, necessary, and because I owe it to my country.” Follow Amber’s journey on Instagram: @amberlaurenturner.

Waynesha Thompson is a student intern at The University of The Bahamas, pursing her bachelor's degree in Small Island Sustainability: Environmental and Ecosystems Management: Marine Science. She is a creative who is passionate about learning, exploring and capturing moments of climate justice, environmental sustainability and sharing her knowledge with the public. She has created videos for The Bimini Shark Lab, The Science Club and The UB Conservation Conclave. She has participated in mangrove plantings and beach clean-ups. She hopes to use her creativity to infuse the world with the importance of climate justice.