Our Islands’ worst enemy – Climate Change

 What issues have arisen in Trinidad and Tobago due to Climate Change?

In Trinidad and Tobago, we are blessed to be located at the southern end of the Caribbean Archipelago. Our islands are sheltered from the terrible hurricanes and storms that develop in the Atlantic. However, this does not protect us from the dreadful effects of Climate Change. Problems such as unpredictable/extreme weather, coastal erosion, coral bleaching, and many more affect our shores.

Figure 1: Showing Climate Change comparison (ITU 2021)

How do these problems arise from Climate Change?

Unpredictable weather is caused by the warming of our oceans. The Atlantic Ocean is the harbour of all storms while the storms develop, they “feed off” of the heat of the ocean waters. This aids in increasing wind speeds thereby increasing the intensity and frequency of storms (tropical storms and hurricanes). Climate Change does not only affect rainfall which results in devastating floods, it affects droughts too which can lead to massive wildfires. With the temperature constantly rising, droughts are becoming more frequent with Trinidad and Tobago experiencing drier Dry Seasons. Admittedly, there were significant storms during the Dry Season in 2021, but these storms were sparse and could not account for the rainfall required to sustain our country’s water supply.

Figure 2: showing strong winds (The Petri Dish 2021)

Coastal Erosion is also affected by Climate Change. With the change in weather, we also notice a change in our oceans and seas. More frequent storms mean that rougher sea conditions are more prominent. The wave action can be particularly destructive to our islands’ coastlines. Coastal erosion is noticeable in countless places across Trinidad and Tobago especially on the East and South-Eastern coasts of Trinidad (namely Manzanilla).

Figure 3: showing coastal erosion in Trinidad
(Trinidad and Tobago Government news 2021)
Coral Bleaching could possibly be one of the worse outcomes of Climate Change both for our biodiversity and our economy. The Buccoo Reef in Tobago, though not the only reef, is the largest and most visited on the island. With the warming of the oceans, our coral reef is no longer able to survive, resulting in coral bleaching. Coral requires a delicate temperature range to survive (23 – 29O Celsius). Our beloved Buccoo Reef is home to 119 species of fish. This reef is the main source of income in Tobago since it depends so heavily on tourism. Do we want our reef to disintegrate, or do we want our children and their children along with people from countries afar to be able to experience this magical underwater world too?

Figure 4: Coral bleaching in the Buccoo Reef (Global Voices 2021)
What now?

We, as a nation, need to understand that our survival rests in our ability to be responsible for our own actions. We take so many little things for granted like leaving our air conditioning on all day even though we are not home or wasting food that has such a huge impact on our Greenhouse Gas emissions. These simple changes will not just save the environment but will save your pocket. How can we go wrong with that?

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