Climate Change is More Than Just a Weather Phenomenon

The new climate era will be radically different from what we have experienced in our lifetime. Rising global temperatures, increased use of greenhouse gases and indiscriminate use of land have resulted in changes to our weather patterns. As a result, Small Island Developing States (SIDs) are experiencing unpredictable rain fall, increased temperatures, and higher sea levels, which are receding our beachlines, eroding our coastlines and creating more extreme and intense hurricanes.

These changes according to Professor Michael Taylor, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the West Indies, Jamaica, are evidenced in scientific studies of the climate studies group at the Mona Campus. Professor Taylor, who spoke at the March edition of the Central Bank of Barbados’ Caribbean Economic Forum, “Building Resilience Against Climate Change,” described the stark changes in climate as unfamiliar to our regions compared to 50 years ago.

Rueanna Haynes, Director of Climate Analytics Caribbean believes not only are the changes impacting us but we are also at crisis stage because these conditions are accelerating and accelerating dangerously so.

For instance, in the past, weather conditions would happen in isolation, but more and more we are experiencing several conditions happening together. Occurrences such as freak storms and the utilising of the entire alphabet of names during the hurricane season are signs of compounded hazards.

Haynes, who also works with Independent Diplomat, a not-for-profit advisory group, says a lot of work is being done in academia and government to champion discussions for regional countries, however the severity of the matter requires greater implementation, which will help us adapt to what is already being experienced and build resilience against loss and damage.

“Caribbean governments have been at the front of enacting climate policy, been at the forefront for pushing more ambitious climate action in the context of the global discussion. What we do need to see more of at this point is actual implementation of those policies. We are at the point where we need to accelerate our response to the global climate crisis.”

To advance this implementation, Cletus Springer, Chairman of Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), proposes a culture of climate. While noting that financing from international countries doesn’t speak to urgency and can be a hindrance, he believes regions can do more through their funding from budgetary sources, ensuring projects are climate friendly and relocating vulnerable infrastructure.

Overall, the severity of the matter means lack of action is not something we can afford within the region. Factors such as our size and location in “extreme weather alley,” healthcare facilities near the coastlines, and economic activities which are dependent on weather conditions means we have a strong sensitivity to climate built into our everyday lives. Therefore, climate change is more than a weather phenomenon, which means it requires an across the board approach.  

“Very often we reduce climate to a weather phenomenon or agricultural phenomenon, but it is our water, our energy bill, insurance rates, health and the outbreaks of dengue. When we fail to recognise this inherent sensitivity, we fail to recognise what climate is doing to it.”

Within the region breaking down the silos and adopting a way that recognises our vulnerabilities will be important to implementation. Our approach should be that we are already in a climate crisis.