DR Ulric Trotz, scientific advisor to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, has said that the region needs to make its voice heard on the issue of climate change, given that it stands to be among those worst affected by the phenomenon.

In his presentation at a three-day regional forum put on by Christian Aid two weeks ago, Trotz reported on the effects of increased temperatures in the region caused by the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. These effects, he said, include:

. an expected rise in sea levels by as much as 21 centimetres by 2100;

. more intense floods, hurricanes and droughts;

. reduced crop yields;

. more health problems such as dengue and malaria;

. bleaching of coral reefs;

. destruction of fish habitats and other marine life; and

. destruction of beaches.

“The Caribbean can hardly cope with impacts of present-day climate, much less the impacts of a world that is two degrees Centigrade warmer,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation. “At the global level, we require greater commitment from industrialised countries to provide resources to developing countries for adaptation (to climate change). We feel there is a strong moral argument to insist that we get extra resources over and above normal development assistance to allow us to respond.”

Christian Aid’s head of region for the Caribbean Dr Judith Turbyne said in the midst of the recession, it was an opportunity for governments in the region and elsewhere to implement joint policies which take climate change into account.

“It’s an opportunity to look at energy policy and say how can we shift this energy strategy around so that we are not so dependent on oil and therefore make it cheaper for us. The technocrats linked to government in the Caribbean seem to be of an extremely high calibre. That’s not a problem here, I think it’s how does that translate into the policies we should have.”

The forum listed as its objectives to:

. support the work of partner civil society organisations in climate change advocacy and their preparations for COP 15 (Copenhagen) in December 2009;

. discuss the role of civil society partners in responding to climate change; and

. develop a framework for a regional climate change action plan for advocacy, public education and mobilisation through the support of community-based programmes.

The Christian Aid forum, held under the theme, “Strengthen the voice of Caribbean civil society in response to climate change”, sought to, among other things, outline the roles of government, civil society and business in addressing climate change and to build consensus and momentum in preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 15) set for Copenhagen, Denmark in December.

Christian Aid is a development charity of more than 40 protestant churches in the United Kingdom and Ireland, which aims to fight poverty and injustice among vulnerable people. It tackles issues such as climate change, HIV and AIDS, conflict, economic justice and good governance.