Dear Editor,

The heatwave in Jamaica and the wildfires burning across parts of Europe should be another wake-up call to the effects of global warming and the damage that can be caused.

In many cities in Spain, there are fires, including popular tourist cities such as Mallorca and Madrid — even hotels are on fire. Similar heatwaves and fires across parts of France resulted in evacuation, health risks from smoke inhalation, loss of property, and loss of life. Meanwhile, in Jamaica, we’ve had fires in the hills — Stony Hill and Jack’s Hill — but so far nothing as devastating as what we have seen in Europe.

Many cities in Europe have begun the process of urban greening, initiatives through which asphalt and concrete are now being replaced with green spaces, increasing permeable ground from one per cent to 12 per cent to combat urban heat. Pedestrian green corridors are being added and schoolyard concrete is being depaved and replaced with more natural spaces to provide more shade and greenery to help lower carbon emissions and improve aesthetics.

Attention is also being placed on increasing the number of trees in forests, which can help to absorb carbon dioxide and lower temperature. Plants and earth use water evaporation as natural air conditioners, from which humans benefit. The earth allows for better water flow instead of flooding since water soaks naturally into the ground in areas where this is possible.

There are other interesting paving technologies being tested and used in Europe and other countries. I’ve heard of special asphalt mixes, using recycle technology, which help to limit emissions. It might be too late, but every effort helps. Other concrete mixes are also being tested for better building solutions.

I had concerns when the courtyard of Devon House was paved. Was the environmental impact taken into consideration, or was it all about aesthetics? We have to consider the bigger picture, and this applies to our attractions and places where large numbers of tourists frequent.

It was reported recently that the city of Toronto now plans to plant 120,00 trees each year to cool specific areas and provide more shade. The goal is to increase tree canopy from 30 per cent to 40 per cent by 2025. Do we know the percentage of tree canopy in Kingston and other major urban areas in Jamaica?

The production of cement, which involves calcination and the use of concrete, also affects global warming significantly. Buildings absorb and trap heat, raising overall local temperatures in urban areas. We hope the Government and climate agencies are paying close attention and developing effective strategies to combat urban heat and the huge risks which come with climate change.

We are not immune to wildfires in Jamaica; therefore, a lot more must be done to help combat the heat and risks of changing weather patterns.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com