the Caribbean calls for organizing in the face of the climate emergency

Time is counted. The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) concluded Friday, May 12 in Guatemala its summit devoted mainly to the concern related to global warming. The Caribbean region is highly exposed, between natural disasters and forced migrations. The ACS notably recalled the significant risks that weigh on the Caribbean islands and coasts, with the rising waters and the threats of submersion.

The subject of climate refugees, in particular islanders, was also on the agenda. “Our study tells us that by 2050, more than 50 million people could migrate from island regions to continental regions, and this generates a problem of public services, an economic and social problem for all”, alerted the secretary general of the organization, Rodolfo Sabonge. The AEC is an organization of 25 countries, in addition to associate members of which France is a member.

“Creative and innovative”

The region has about 250 million inhabitants, according to Guatemalan Foreign Minister Mario Bucaro. “The effects of climate change will not decrease, they will increase.“warned Rodolfo Sabonge, calling for “be creative and innovative” in solving these problems.

The ACS thus mentioned several projects, including the implementation of early warning systems to better manage the passage of hurricanes, which cause deaths and great damage every year in the Caribbean zone. “Early warning prevents loss of life, prevents loss of infrastructure” and allows people to better prepare, detailed the Secretary General.