Dear Editor,

The recent scorching temperatures in Europe should not be taken lightly. The UK recorded its highest temperature ever — 104 degrees Fahrenheit — a few days ago.

Flooding, heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, drought, and unusual changes in weather patterns have become more frequent, the result of climate change.

Jamaica, as well, has experienced high temperatures and infrequent rainfall. Jamaica was the first from the region to submit a tough climate action plan with specific targets for forestry and to curb greenhouse gas emissions from energy, under the Paris Agreement, yet we haven’t heard much about the work being done to achieve these targets.

Jamaica is blessed with natural resources. Year-long sunshine could provide more solar energy, reducing use of traditional types of energy which is harmful to the environment. We must educate the population about the dangers of climate change and how it will negatively affect our lives, we are living with an emergency.

Youth, in particular, must be aware from a young age, and schools should be involved with this process. Simple things, like plastic, which end up in landfills and the sea, can be harmful to life. We must be vigilant about recycling and use more sustainable materials in packaging. As individuals we have a responsibility for ourselves and our families.

Jamaica’s gas emissions might not account for much compared to bigger industrialised countries, but we have to do our part.

What Rwanda has been doing to clean up the country is impressive. They banned plastic bags over 10 years ago and only use paper, papyrus, and biodegradable packaging. We must think green, plant more trees, and reduce erosion. We can prevent deforestation and soil degradation. The production of meat and the raising of animals also contribute to harmful gases and waste. If we cut back on meat consumption, even one day a week, there will be benefits to the body and environment, leading to less degradation of land and increase in water supplies and biodiversity.

We can also drive vehicles more efficiently by planning trips, carpooling when possible, and now that electric cars are proving to be cost-efficient and beneficial to the environment, we have another option to consider when buying new cars. With the rising price of fuel, even airlines have to be more efficient with flight scheduling.

As a country that relies on mining, we must think twice about mining projects which expose large masses of land surface which can cause the Earth to overheat. These projects must be made to put back what is removed, in terms of vegetation.

We have heard conservatives suggest that climate change is a hoax, a myth created to distract people from reality. In Jamaica we have seen changing patterns of rainfall, which impact agriculture and water supply. I’ve seen lakes flooding in Canada as glaciers up north melt away due to warmer temperatures, even winters in many countries are getting milder.

Tourism is also dependable on the environment and sustainable tourism is the way to go. Eco tourism and a cleaner environment can enhance profitability for the industry. We must work with environmental agencies and groups to be the agent of change, in terms of how we sustain the environment in which we live.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com