Greater awareness and a change in attitudes are needed for the country to be able to deal with the social and economic implications of climate change.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), this was pointed out at a farmers’ interactive session and mini-exhibition at the Linden Constabulary in observance of World Meteorology Day on Sunday, under the theme “Observing our planet for a better future”.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who was present at the exhibition, said with reference to the 2005 floods and the recent overtopping of the sea defence on the East Coast that citizens needed to be more aware of issues surrounding climate change and pay more attention to weather forecasts and advisories that could help them be better prepared for such occurrences, GINA said.
The release said that a National Climate Unit was established last year to lead necessary interventions into climate change activities and approximately $13.5 million was allocated this year to deal with other climate change activities. Additionally, a Climate Change Adaptation Programme will be launched with support from the Caribbean Community Centre for Climate Change (CCCCC).
“Implementation of the Conservancy Adaptation Programme, development of advanced technology and agricultural practices to withstand the changing weather conditions and additional drainage and irrigation projects designed to deal with the phenomenon are other initiatives,” the release said.
Further, efforts are ongoing to create linkages between Guyana and the meteorological offices of United States and Cuba to strengthen local capabilities in areas of monitoring and responding to emergency situations. Plans are also in progress for the development of better warning systems such as an expanded network of rain gauges and the construction of the Doppler Radar to be completed this year.
Region Ten chairman, Mortimer Mingo, highlighted the impact climate change is having on Region Ten residents, particularly in the areas of forestry, agriculture and mining. He also commended the observance of World Meteorology Day in the region and said that it was a move towards sensitising residents on the steps they can take to be better prepared for the repercussions of climate changes.
Chief Hydrometeorolo-gical Officer (ag) Bhaleka Suelall said at the exhibition that investments in the country’s weather, water and climate monitoring systems were excellent since it was clear that weather and climate changes affect all facets of life.
She said people must band together to make a “positive national difference by helping the hydrometeorological service in monitoring on-the-ground activities to determine the change in weather, water and climate patterns.
A publication was launched by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in an effort to educate people on climate changes as a part of the observance of World Meteorology Day, which is celebrated on March 23 since 1950.
