Hazards: Take Control Global Climate Change By NEMO Saint Lucia

DISASTER RISKS FACED BY THE CARIBBEAN Source: Primer Series by the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction DISASTER RISKS FACED BY THE CARIBBEAN Source: Primer Series by the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction FIRES HURRICANES VOLCANOES FLOODS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE DEVELOP POLICIES FOR ACTIONS HAVING HIGH BENEFIT/COST FOR THE CARIBBEAN REGION GOAL: REDUCE DISASTER RISK LANDSLIDES EARTHQUAKES MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2001) has identified small islands as amongst the countries which will be most seriously impacted by climate change. Hazard: Global Climate Change

Disasters Climate Change Adverse impacts of climate change on society may increase the vulnerability to disasters. Disasters erode community resilience, thus increasing vulnerability to climate change. Climate Change Cycle

Responsibility for Development Education and Communication Information and good science Financing adaptation Legislation and Enforcement Linking with the planning process Risk Mgn’t Plans ELEMENTS OF ADAPTATION Thompkins etal 2005 in UNEP report on CC in the Caribbean Climate Change Linkages

Hazard Defined

THE KEY IS: 1) KNOW THE DISASTER HISTORY OF YOUR REGION 2) KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY Preparing for Global Climate Change

Discuss the hazard with your family. Know the effects. Prepare a disaster plan. Preparing for Global Climate Change

“The good news is that a natural hazard does not automatically have to lead to a disaster,” Mr. Ban said. “Countries such as Bangladesh, Cuba, Jamaica, Madagascar and the Philippines have shown that good building designs, proper land-use planning, public education, community preparedness and effective early warning systems can reduce the impact of severe weather events.” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon 30 September 2008 Preparing for Global Climate Change

Building code November 30, The Ministry of Planning says a National Building Code for St. Lucia - three years in the making is about to come to fruition. The development of the code has been further prompted by an increase is the destructive nature of natural disasters in recent times, which has been further exacerbated by spontaneous developments in several disaster prone areas of the country. As of April 2010 the Building Code has not been adopted Preparing for Global Climate Change

“It is generally accepted that disaster mitigation pays. For example, the World Bank and United States Geological Survey once calculated that economic losses worldwide from natural disasters during the 1990s could be reduced by $280 billion if $30 billion were invested in disaster mitigation and preparedness — a ratio of $7 saved for every $1 spent.” Twigg 2001, p. 3. What will you spend your $1.00 on?

I want to urge you to act now in getting the insured household percentage up from 35%. I want to challenge you to strive at a 60% figure for this year, no matter how painful the financial cost Dr. Kenny D. Anthony Prime Minister of Saint Lucia January 16, 2005 Preparing for Global Climate Change

The four components of an early warning system: 1.Monitor the hazard; 2.Quantify the hazard; 3.A disaster plan to address the hazard; [National Communiqué on Climate Change, Wind Speed Guidelines incorporating Climate Change, National Policy on Climate Change] 4.Effective communications for warning. Early Warning Systems

Extreme Heat Events?? Drought?? Effects of Global Climate Change

Sea Level Rise??? Effects of Global Climate Change

Across all sectors Effects of Global Climate Change

System Temperature Rise +1.2oC by the 2030s Temperature Rise +2.1oC by the 2060s Temperature Rise +3.6oC by the 2080s Agriculture [incl. fisheries] Outer boundary of wetlands, mangroves, beaches etc. will erode. Deterioration of food security. Fish kill. Tourism Reduced dive tourism as coral reefs are damaged. Forestry tours in the tourism sector decline as trees are lost. Loss of employment in the industry. Effects of Global Climate Change

System Temperature Rise +1.2oC by the 2030s Temperature Rise +2.1oC by the 2060s Temperature Rise +3.6oC by the 2080s Financial With an increase in insurance claims, both agricultural and structural there shall be the reactive increase in insurance costs for properties in vulnerable areas. Health Greater demands on health care systems and emergency response systems, Increase in number and variety of insect attacks and injuries. The complex relationship between food security and HIV/AIDS manifest as the nutritional requirements of people living with HIV/AIDS are higher. Effects of Global Climate Change

System Temperature Rise +1.2oC by the 2030s Temperature Rise +2.1oC by the 2060s Temperature Rise +3.6oC by the 2080s Forestry [and Bio diversity] Loss of one of species Replacement of native species by invasive fish species. Widespread extinctions Water Resources Decrease in quality of potable water from salt water intrusion as sea levels rise. Poor water supplies increase the incidence of diarrhea, malaria, respiratory infections, measles, and other communicable diseases. Acceleration of the drying out of soil and vegetation can lead to an increase in water demand. Effects of Global Climate Change

System Temperature Rise +1.2oC by the 2030s Temperature Rise +2.1oC by the 2060s Temperature Rise +3.6oC by the 2080s Marine and Coastal Recourses Rising sea levels inundate wetlands and other low-lying lands, erode beaches. Undercutting of traditional knowledge due to great changes in weather, migratory patterns, and plant species distribution. Destruction of major natural habitats and the extinction of many species. Coastal Zone and Human Settlements Threatened livelihoods in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and other key economic sectors. Rising sea levels inundate wetlands and other low-lying lands, erode beaches, intensify flooding, and increase the salinity of rivers, bays, and groundwater tables. Greater diminishment of subsistence and locally harvested foods. Effects of Global Climate Change

System Temperature Rise +1.2oC by the 2030s Temperature Rise +2.1oC by the 2060s Temperature Rise +3.6oC by the 2080s National Security Potential for populations to move as “Environmental Refugees” seek sanctuary. Land loss due to rising sea levels and increased storm surges, can damage infrastructure and uproot large numbers of people. When large numbers of persons need to be relocated tensions can arise. A scarcity of food and water can transform peaceful competition into violence weakening the ability of countries to resolve conflicts peacefully. Effects of Global Climate Change

the situation if adaptation is not done Map of 1717 Map of 1979 Map of 2035 Effects of Global Climate Change

What can WE do? Reduce the amount of paper used, reuse paper when possible and recycle paper to help reduce deforestation. When possible, use transportation that does not burn fossil fuels to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Car pool to reduce the amount of fossil fuel used in transportation. Remember to turn off lights and electronic equipment, since this helps to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that is burned to make electricity.

What can WE do? Use of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, reduces the amount of energy needed from fossil fuels for production of energy. Some light bulbs use less energy (energy saving lights bulbs). Use these bulbs to reduce the amount of energy produced from burning fossil fuels.

What can WE do? Do not cut trees down unnecessarily and plant trees where and when possible. Green vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce global warming. Fix leaky faucets to prevent the wasting of water, especially hot water. Energy from the burning of fossil fuels is sometimes used to heat water. Electricity is also sometimes used to pump water to homes.

What can WE do? Share information to help everyone play a part in reducing global warming and preparing for the impacts of climate change. Tell a friend or family member about climate change. Incorporate the topic of climate change into boy scout and girl guide activities, summer camps, environmental club plans and school curricula

An “All Clear” announcement will not be possible for Global Climate Change. In fact… The warming trend is expected to continue. The country is projected to be warmer by up to 1.2oC by the 2030s, 2.1oC by the 2060s and 3.6oC by the end of the century. [SOURCE: climate studies group] ALL CLEAR

The Sustainable Development and Environment Division Ministry of Physical Development and the Environment P.O. Box 709 Castries Waterfront SAINT LUCIA Tel. +(758) Fax. + (758) or (shared office ): or Questions?

Family Disaster Plan Family Evacuation Plan Family Disaster Supplies List pliesCalendar.pdf Online Resources National Emergency Management Plan