Climate Change Needs to be Addressed as Another Hazard
R ising sea levels, together with coastal erosion and salt water intrusion, increase in the intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes, as well as disruptions in rainfall and freshwater supply represent a significant threat to countries in the region. The Caribbean is considered as a priority for immediate intervention by the International Climate Fund (ICF).
Anticipated negative health impacts from climate change include worse sanitation conditions from limited water supplies during droughts or contamination during floods and conditions that favour the spread of water and vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue and diarrheal diseases, as well as heat stress for vulnerable groups (such as the elderly).
In addition, when health facilities are destroyed or damaged by climate-related disasters their ability to provide emergency care to victims and ongoing healthcare for their communities is very limited, precisely when they are most needed.