Take Climate Change seriously

Virtually every day, in every region of the world, from the North Pole to the Antarctic, the Sahara desert to Equatorial forests, from tropical zones to temperate climatic regions, there is more and more evidence, not just academic speculation, that the climate change that we have been warned about for so long, is REAL and UPON US.

At least on two occasions over the past year, storms, reminiscent of tropical hurricanes or cyclones, have hit temperate countries in Europe and North America, reckoned to be outside the hurricane belt. These are unprecedented occurrences, a “sign of the times” as some may say. At the same time we not only hear, but can see evidence of melting ice from glaciers in the frozen Antarctic raising concerns about the fate of penguins particular to that area, as well as in the high mountains of East Africa even while the Sahel belt and the Horn of Africa continue to suffer from extreme drought.

We in the Caribbean used to think that we are immune from such climatic extremities. But in recent years there has been more and more evidence that this is no longer the case. Our upgraded local meteorological services have been providing us with information on weather and climatic changes, giving warnings about possible consequences and the need to prepare even for the worst. Given the situation in the Sahara desert it is not surprising that the instances of Sahara dust in our atmosphere have increased in both frequency and intensity. This has implications not only for respiratory cases but also on our atmospheric conditions and ultimately rainfall. There is also greater unpredictability causing many of us to question weather forecasts.

At the beginning of this year the local met office reported that our rainfall total has not only decreased in recent years but that we can expect a similar situation in 2024. Perhaps we are too busy with minor issues to take note of something like this which has major implications for not only our social and economic development but our quality of life as well. This has direct bearing on vital sources of water as well as food production itself.

Our country has subscribed to the CARICOM plan to reduce food imports into the region by 25% by the year 2025. Indeed, SVG is one of the leading proponents of this strategy. This is an important element in achieving food security as well as in addressing a major complaint of ours, rising food prices.

Yet in spite of the tangible evidence before us we have not yet been displaying the appropriate response and been spurred into action. Climate change and its effects on land, water and people needs to be an everyday topic, it is bigger than who likes us on social media; more serious than the shenanigans of politicians. It ought to be on the lips of all our children, a topic for every household. Not just for discussion however, but for a programme of action, from household through community right to the national and regional levels.

The authorities in Trinidad and Tobago anticipating a drier 2024, have urged that farmers review their agricultural practices, including the recommended use of drip irrigation; and our own Prime Minister has touched on the desirability for local homeowners to get serious about water harvesting. The Minister of Urban Development, responding to concerns expressed in a recent radio interactive programme also addressed some of the concerns raised and planned interventions.

Climate change affects us all and the very future of our country, our planet and indeed the human race depends on it. It requires each of us to take it seriously and act on that awareness.