A looming existential crisis is facing T&T, according to Met Service Director, Shakeer Baig.

Mr Baig, who is also T&T’s Permanent Representative with the World Met Organization, says the country is grappling with the escalating impacts of global warming, which has resulted in rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and diminished rainfall.

He says T&T, along with other Small Island Developing States, faces unique challenges due to geographic location, limited resources and reliance on climate-sensitive industries such as tourism and fishing.

According to Mr Baig, higher temperatures due to climate change, have had several impacts across various sectors:

1. Human Health

• Heat-Related Illnesses: Higher temperatures increase the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and
  dehydration. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health
  conditions, are particularly at risk.
•  Vector-Borne Diseases: Warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for the breeding of
  mosquitoes, increasing the incidence of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
• Air Quality: Heat can exacerbate air pollution, leading to respiratory issues, especially for people with
  asthma and other lung conditions.

2. Agriculture and Food Security

• Crop Stress: Extreme heat can reduce crop yields, affecting food production. Crops like cocoa, which are
  sensitive to temperature changes, may see lower productivity.
• Water Scarcity: Higher temperatures increase evaporation rates, reducing water availability for irrigation
  and livestock. This could lead to reduced agricultural productivity and higher food prices.
• Pest Proliferation: Warmer conditions may also lead to increased pest activity, which can negatively
  impact crops.

3. Water Resources

• Drought Conditions: Rising temperatures contribute to prolonged dry spells and drought, reducing the
  availability of fresh water. This places stress on both households and industries dependent on water
  resources.
• Increased Evaporation: Higher evaporation rates reduce the levels of rivers, reservoirs, and other water
  bodies, leading to water shortages.

4. Energy Demand

• Increased Cooling Needs: As temperatures rise, there is an increased demand for air conditioning and
  refrigeration, which puts pressure on the energy grid and leads to higher electricity costs.
• Strain on Energy Infrastructure: Higher temperatures can also affect the efficiency of power plants and
  increase the likelihood of power outages.

5. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

• Coral Bleaching: Warmer ocean temperatures are causing coral bleaching, which threatens the rich
  biodiversity of coral reefs in the surrounding waters. This affects marine life and fisheries, which are vital
  for livelihoods and tourism.
• Sea Level Rise: Although primarily driven by global climate change, warmer temperatures contribute to
  the thermal expansion of seawater, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and flooding.

6. Economic Impacts

• Tourism: The tourism industry may suffer as higher temperatures could deter visitors, and the
  degradation of coastal ecosystems could reduce the attractiveness of beaches and coral reefs.
• Productivity Loss: Outdoor workers, such as those in construction and agriculture, may experience
  reduced productivity due to heat stress. Higher temperatures can lead to fatigue and reduce work output.

7. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

• Species Migration: Rising temperatures can disrupt ecosystems by forcing plant and animal species to
  migrate or adapt to new conditions. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and negatively impact ecosystem
  services, such as pollination.
• Forest Fires: Increased temperatures, combined with dry conditions, elevate the risk of forest fires, which
  can have devastating effects on biodiversity and air quality.

As such, he believes climate change is not just an environmental concern, but an urgent socio-economic and existential issue.