Caribbean environmental experts seek solutions for climate change and public health challenges

Published on November 19, 2015, CASTRIES, St Lucia. - The Caribbean, mainly comprised of small island nations, is the world’s most tourist-dependent region, and one of the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. Within recent times, the region has experienced more frequent and severe storms and hurricanes, increases in mosquito-borne diseases, rises in sea level, and prolonged periods of drought and salt-water intrusion of coastal groundwater sources, which pose a significant threat to human health.

Recognizing the critical need to be more climate change resilient, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), UNEP-Caribbean Regional Coordinating Unit (UNEP CAR-RCU), and the government of Saint Lucia, will host a conference to address issues related to climate change and health.

Credits: Dr James Hospedales / Caribbean News Now

Executive director, CARPHA, Dr James Hospedales, explained: “climate change threatens traditional public health infrastructure. It will stress environmental health services, such as efforts to respond to severe weather events and disease outbreaks, provide assurance of drinking water safety, and implement vector control measures. At the same time measures like alternative transport such as biking and walking and rapid mass transport can improve population health, mitigate climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and reduce the import bill for oil.”

He added that the Conference “will bring together government representatives, and regional and international organizations to address issues of public health, environment and socio-economic well-being.”

The meeting runs from November 18 – 20 November 2015, and will serve as a platform for information sharing, and as a “think tank” for developing innovative, Caribbean-specific solutions to our environmental health and sustainable development challenges.

Agenda items include discussions on preparations for Zika virus and recent experiences with chikungunya; food and water security; achievements of the Caribbean Cooperation for Health III; and a Caribbean environmental health officers and partners planning session.