In terms of pressing national concerns, climate ranks several points below crime on T&T’s daily agenda and is often not treated with the urgency it requires.
However, the coming days, with forecasts for soaring temperatures, including a strong likelihood of recurrent heatwaves, will serve up some uncomfortable reminders that these two islands, located just 10° north of the equator, are in the throes of climate change.
The murder count may be the main talking point but the other looming crisis, which brings with it increasing temperatures, humidity and extreme weather patterns, needs to get some attention now while there is still time to prepare.
And there isn’t much time.
T&T and the rest of the Caribbean will experience a much warmer than usual heat season this year, with recurrent heatwaves in the forecast from as early as April, according to the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF).
The region will be experiencing the effects of a waning El Niño event in the Pacific and near-record warm Tropical North Atlantic temperatures between March to May.
This country is already experiencing the effects of bushfire season, which started in December and continues until June 30, as well as a long-term drought as of February 1.
There have already been a few bush fires that tested the capacity of the T&T Fire Service, hampered by equipment and other challenges that impact their timely and effective response to these incidents.
Last year’s record number of deadly fires should have reinforced in the minds of citizens the high fire potential in the dry season and the importance of preventive measures. Disastrous fires that incurred loss of life and property have been sparked by activities such as clearing land for agriculture, burning rubbish in backyards and carelessly discarding cigarette butts.
Unfortunately, this is a nation with a propensity for learning lessons the hard way, so public education campaigns about fires and other risks during these long, hot days will have to be backed up by strict enforcement of penalties for those who break the law.
Fires aren’t the only risk.
The high temperatures are most severe for vulnerable segments of the population, including the elderly, persons with serious illnesses and young children, so additional precautions are needed for these citizens as heat waves become regular events.
This is a very imminent risk. Now is the time to heed the weather warnings of last year, when temperatures as high as 34.7 °C were recorded and there was a prolonged heat wave that triggered a Hot Spell Warning.
Take no comfort in the fact that T&T’s highest maximum temperature of 35.5°C, recorded on October 18, 2020, has not yet been surpassed.
Preemptive action needs to be taken now to mitigate the effects of these mostly hot days and warm nights, exacerbated by the periods of low air quality caused by the Sahara dust blanketing the region.
Now is the time for a more coordinated national response and implementation of climate adaptation and other measures to deal with climatic shocks.
The focus should be on implementation of climate resilience practices and climate smart techniques, with a strong emphasis on water management.
The relevant ministries and agencies should be accelerating their efforts to equip schools, health facilities, workplaces and public spaces for the weather extremes.
There is plenty to do and very little time to take action before the first heat wave arrives.