V o l u m e
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I ss u e
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P a g e
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Impact of Climate Change on
T r i n i d a d a n d To b a g o
Climate Change
Roseanna Derrick
Climate change is not a new
phenomenon. In fact, it has
been occurring naturally for
millions of years. Within recent
years evidence has shown accelerated rates of global warming and climate change as a
result of human activity. This is
due to an increase in the concentrations of greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere as a result of
fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes and waste management. Trinidad and Tobago
is particularly vulnerable to the
repercussions of the rise in
temperature such as the rise in
sea levels, increased flooding,
the increased frequency and
intensity of hurricanes, hillside
erosion and the loss of coastal
habitats. This was revealed in a
document entitled Working for
Sustainable Development in
Trinidad and Tobago 2012. Climate change can have an effect
on our health since the increases in ambient air temperature
are likely to increase the spread
of vector diseases, e.g., dengue
fever. “Although the twinisland republic of Trinidad and
Tobago accounts for less than
one per cent of the absolute
global gas emissions, it is the
second largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions on a per
capita basis in the world.” The
country’s transport and indus-
trial sectors account for the majority
of carbon dioxide emissions. . Our
government has recognized the urgency of the issue and has created
the National Climate Change Policy
of 2011. In keeping with this policy,
it is imperative that every citizen do
their best to reduce their carbon
footprint. Only then will policy
translate into meaningful action.
Pictures showing effects of Climate Changes on Human
Population
Citations: Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. (2011). National Climate Change Policy. Port of Spain.
Ministry of Planning and the Economy. (2012). Working for Sustainable Development in Trinidad and Tobago. Port of Spain
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