Earth Day 2012: Concerns about effect of climate change

Concern is being raised about the continued effects of climate change on the economies of developing countries, including Jamaica.

Head of the Climate Change Branch of the Met Office Clifford Mahlung says developing countries contribute less than 1 % annually to global greenhouse gas emissions.

However, despite the minimal contribution to the emissions, the negative impacts of climate change are affecting economies.

Mr. Mahlung was addressing a recent climate change forum in Montego Bay St. James.

The forum formed part of activities to observe Earth Day, being observed today (April 22), as well as create awareness about climate change issues, and environmental protection.

This year’s Earth Day theme is: mobilize the earth.

UWI technocrats at the forum urged Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean to brace for the experience of warmer temperatures.

They pointed to a 2010 study, which indicated that the increased warming rate was not observed before.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mahlung pointed to what he called a dilemma facing the economy and the environment, through the tourism industry.