B.V.I. Friday, November 6 –The Conservation and Fisheries Department has once again partnered with the wider public to raise local awareness of actions for climate change.
On October 24, the department joined forces with Green VI, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, (HLSCC) Honour Society Phi Theta Kappa, the ladies of Smart, Ambitious, Strong and Successful (S.A.S.S), local Rotaract and Leo Clubs, and other private citizens in observance of the International Day of Climate Action.
Over 40 persons gathered at Brewer’s Bay Beach to construct a large version of the number 350 in the sand using pebbles and rocks.
Climate Change Coordinator for the Territory, Ms. Angela Burnett Penn, explained to the Department of Information and Public Relations the significance of the number 350 and its relationship to climate change.
“According to leading scientists, 350 parts per million (ppm) is the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide which can be tolerated in our atmosphere to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The current concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is well above at 387 ppm,” Ms. Burnett Penn explained.
“Reducing the current level to 350 ppm will require strong and urgent international agreement and actions to cut carbon dioxide emissions. Efforts are being made to highlight the number 350 now because world leaders will meet this December in Copenhagen to negotiate a new treaty on climate change, particularly limiting carbon emissions, to supersede the existing Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012,” Ms. Burnett Penn further elaborated.
Climate change is caused by the increase of ‘greenhouse’ or ‘heat-trapping’ gases in our atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide. This particular gas is released during the burning of fossil fuels to produce energy and deforestation. Carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by using alternative energy solutions such as wind and solar power, improving energy efficiency and conservation and preserving forests and reforesting.
Mrs. Charlotte McDevitt of Green VI suggested the 350 in the sand concept and the event was jointly organised by the HLSCC Phi Theta Kappa Honour Society and the ladies of S.A.S.S, a new community service and mentorship organisation for young ladies. The event was also supported by the BVI Tourist Board.
A local beach was highlighted for the event as increased and more severe beach erosion due to sea level rise and stronger hurricanes are among the most significant and certain impacts of climate change in the Virgin Islands.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department is committed to promoting climate change awareness among the general public. More information about the local impacts of climate change can be found in the Virgin Islands Draft Climate Change Issues Paper, available at the Conservation and Fisheries Department.
British Virgin Islands News