The Negative Effects Of Climate Change

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Within the last couple decades there have been a lot of controversy surrounding the phenomenon of climate change. Climate change, according to the IPCC (2007) refers to “A change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g. using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties, and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. It refers to any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity.” As a result of climate change the Caribbean region has had an increase in sea level and coastal flooding, more frequent hurricanes, drought and so forth. The move towards a developed status, especially in third world countries like the…show more content…
As an article by Fisher (2012) states “Humans have been adapting to their environments throughout history by developing practices, cultures and livelihoods suited to local conditions.” Moreover, heads of government have found the threat of climate change a reality for the region and has thus met on several occasions to discuss the implications and mitigating efforts that can be adapted. Heads of government have seen the need for immediate efforts to reduce the effect of climate change and has therefore sought a more adaptive role of climate change. It is without a doubt that the effects of climate change are felt here in the Caribbean so that implementing preventive measures may be a little late so adaptive measures are…show more content…
Adaptation measures for developing countries in the Caribbean can lead to immediate countermeasures designed to combat the ill-effects of climate change. Adaptation measures can include; introduction of drought resistant crop, implementation of better irrigation systems, promotion of reforestation, rainwater storage and so forth. Adaptation measures implemented here in the Caribbean are usually reactive and thus restricted to hard engineering efforts such as the building of sea walls. Caribbean citizens need to be explorative in their adaptation and seek to take advantage of the positives of climate change such as the ability to grow crops in areas that were once considered
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