Annika Bellot is originally from Dominica, a small island nation in the Caribbean. While she grew up surrounded by the region’s lush rainforests and picturesque mountains, Bellot also experienced the devastating effects of climate change and natural disasters. She felt she had no choice but to get involved in climate efforts to ensure the survival of Dominica and islands like it.
Now an international climate lawyer, Bellot is also an M.A. in Climate and Society student and this year’s Class Day student speaker. Below, Bellot reflects on her path to the Climate School and the message she hopes her classmates will remember as they work toward a more sustainable world.
https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2026/05/01/climate-work-is-personal-for-this-class-day-speaker/