To some, climate change is not a topic worthy of discussion, because the effects of melting ice and rising sea levels are not clearly identifiable with the Virgin Islands.

Throughout the month of May and into Environment Month in June, the Public Information and Education (PIE) sub-committee of the National Disaster Management Council focused on climate change and its impact on the Territory.

Since then, not much has been said to sensitize residents about the small steps they can take to play a role in protecting the Territory.

The effects of climate change are played out daily throughout the world, with the most negative effects reaching mainstream television and the internet. The recent Indonesian quake is testament to this fact. The world is quickening its awareness of climate change and the products that propel the change. In July of this year, Fifth District Representative Elvis Harrigan attended the International Parliamentary Conference on Climate Change held by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in London.

His attendance was critically important because it cements the VI support to promote the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which will come onboard in the city of Copenhagen when leaders meet in Denmark during December.

His attendance also gives the Territory a voice on the global stage which can be used to articulate the Government’s position and force large industrial countries to agree to a global emission target of 40 percent reduction below the 1990 level by 2020.

However, Harrigan’s work also includes gathering local support prior to the December meeting. Attendees to the meeting have also agreed to initiate and encourage scrutiny and debate of climate legislation in their respective countries and also to sensitise and educate their constituents and the broader public to build a ground swell of support for urgent political action to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

There is a clear indication that the desired responses to public events to raise awareness about climate change are poorly supported. Such is the case of Parade for the Planet. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has received funding from the UK to undertake education activities.

This they must do and with haste. Perhaps it might also be wise to appoint a Specialist on Climate Change, either through DDM or the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour. Once appointed the Climate Change point person will help to coordinate the various agencies and work to position the Virgin Islands to play an active role in the global debate.

Additionally, anyone appointed will also be task with working with the Government to position the Territory to benefit from funding awarded to countries for preserving the environment.

The benefits of preparing far outweigh the cons of being caught napping in this global conversation.

---

Share this story