As environmental and economic concerns continue to intensify globally, sustainable investing, also known as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, has emerged as a powerful tool for change. In the Caribbean, and especially in our small island nations like Trinidad and Tobago, the stakes are particularly high. With rising sea levels, erratic weather patterns, and an economy heavily tied to fossil fuels, the region faces a unique intersection of environmental vulnerability and economic transition. For the Caribbean, sustainable investing is more than an inconsequential financial decision, it’s another brick laid on the path toward long-term resilience and sustainable development.

To better understand how sustainable investing is currently perceived in Trinidad, we conducted a survey of 417 Trinidadian nationals. Participants were asked to rate their support for sustainable investing on a scale from 1 to 7. The results revealed a compelling snapshot of public sentiment: 7.9% of respondents fell into the low support group (scores 1 to 2.75), while 47.5% indicated moderate support (scores 3 to 5), and 44.6% expressed high support (scores 5.25 to 7). This distribution suggests that while a significant number of Trinidadians are receptive to ESG investing, many remain on the fence or unconvinced.

To dig deeper into what drives these attitudes, we used regression modelling to identify the strongest predictors of support. Three major factors emerged:

1. Climate Change Beliefs and Perceptions – Unsurprisingly, individuals who acknowledged the seriousness and immediacy of climate change were far more likely to support sustainable investing. Given Trinidad’s vulnerability to climate-related events such as extreme heat and intense flooding, this connection is particularly relevant.
2. Age – Younger respondents tended to show higher levels of support. This trend mirrors global data and reflects increased awareness among younger generations, who are often more connected to conversations about environmental justice and technological innovation.
3. Socioeconomic Status – Those with higher levels of financial stability and access to economic resources were more inclined to view sustainable investing as a viable and worthwhile pursuit.

These findings highlight both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, there is a strong and growing foundation of support for sustainable investing in Trinidad. On the other, nearly half of the population still sits in the moderate or low support categories. This hesitancy could reflect a range of barriers: lack of financial literacy, scepticism about ESG performance, or unfamiliarity with sustainable investment options available locally.

For Trinidad to truly leverage the benefits of ESG investing, public engagement must increase, and so too must institutional and governmental commitment. It is essential for national leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions to recognise the central role sustainable investing can play in shaping a more resilient future. This means acknowledging its real-world impacts not just on the environment, but also on economic diversification, social wellbeing, and long-term fiscal stability. Moving forward, a coordinated approach is needed, one that actively engages the private sector, public institutions, and everyday citizens. By fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable investing and reshaping how it is valued across different sectors, we can begin to shift public sentiment from passive interest to active support

In a country still largely dependent on the energy sector, building momentum behind ESG investing requires a shift in both perception and trust. But this shift is essential. If more Trinidadians view sustainable investing not as a niche trend but as a smart and empowering choice, the potential for meaningful change, both financially and environmentally, becomes far more attainable.