During the first term of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, Cari-Bois partnered with the Scotiabank Foundation to empower ten (10) students with climate journalism skills as part of the second edition of Cari-Bois’ Youth Journalism Project. For their first assignment, students had the opportunity to research the effects of climate change on either Trinidad and Tobago or the Caribbean and write a story. This story was written by Sidney Raj of Brazil Secondary School.
As climate change has become a topic of significance in recent years, it is important to understand the phenomenon.
Scientifically, climate is defined as long-term, sustained climatic conditions in an area for at least 30 years.
These prevailing climatic conditions usually shape the weather patterns in localized areas and can determine whether an area experiences tropical or desert conditions, for example.
Given climate influences localized temperatures and weather events, it is important to recognise that rapid changes to climate – especially in accelerated rates like modern climate change – can disrupt lives and livelihoods that are dependent on a stable climate.
Like other Small Island Developing States (SIDs) in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has been affected by modern, man-made driven climate change and it is important to understand these changes.
Disruptions to Agricultural Production and Water Supply
Climate change affects rainfall patterns, which can lead to water scarcity (drought) that impact agricultural productivity and reduces water availability for irrigation and livestock raring.
Changes in temperature and precipitation can also disrupt crop cycles and reduce yields, affecting food security and livelihoods.
Intense rainfall and storms can cause flooding which can destroy entire fields of crops.
These changes affect the consumer market because produce is higher priced
Increase in Vector-Borne Diseases
Increasing temperatures create favorable conditions for disease vectors like mosquitoes and rodents.
Trinidad and Tobago may experience an increase in diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, leptospirosis just to name a few which are transmitted by mosquitoes and rodents.
Coastal Erosion
Both islands are vulnerable to coastal erosion due to rising sea levels.
This rising sea level can disrupt the stability of beaches, infrastructure, and natural habitats are at risk.
The wellbeing of the country’s marine flora and fauna are also at risk as reefs, fish species, and marine vegetation, are at risk of dying off due to rising ocean temperatures.
Increased Vulnerability to Flooding
Intense rainfall events can cause flooding which affects homes, businesses, and transportation networks.
Trinidad and Tobago must try to adapt to these changing conditions.
Upgrading infrastructure plays a key role in reducing flooding and its effects.
For example, proper drainage and dredging of water courses can assist in reducing flash flooding in low laying areas.
Adaptation Strategies
To mitigate these impacts, Trinidad and Tobago must adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that promote climate-resilient crops to enhance food security in the face of changing climate conditions.
The country must also invest in climate resilient infrastructure and develop comprehensive water management plans.
While there are things that must be done at the level of those in authority, addressing climate change is something that requires collective efforts.
This means personal and community efforts are also important to strengthen climate resilience.
It is essential to continue raising awareness, implementing adaptation strategies, and advocating for sustainable practices.
A very special thank you to the Scotiabank Foundation for supporting the development of young people through initiatives like the Cari-Bois Youth Journalism Project
