The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) has recently issued a warning that the Caribbean region is set to face near-record temperatures over the next six months. According to CariCOF, temperatures are already above normal and are expected to climb further as we approach the peak of the Caribbean heat season in August and September. This surge in heat is predicted to affect virtually every aspect of daily life, with several impacts already being felt.

Public health experts are bracing for a significant uptick in heat-related symptoms, including a sharp rise in cases of heat illnesses, fainting, and hospitalizations. CariCOF has also highlighted an expected increase in biological hazards, such as gastrointestinal and mosquito-borne diseases, with dengue fever cases already on the rise in certain areas. Moreover, the extreme temperatures may lead to increased snacking or binge eating, contributing to various health issues. The agency also anticipates a surge in fatigue, irritability, and aggression as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Economic sectors dependent on outdoor labor are poised for a challenging period. Livestock will require more cooling and ventilation to avoid heat stress, which could lead to stunted growth in chickens and a decrease in egg and dairy production. Crop productivity is expected to plummet, especially during peak heat hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., due to increased wilting.

The repercussions of above-average temperatures will also extend to marine life. Warmer ocean temperatures could lead to more frequent and severe hurricanes, alongside a decrease in fish harvests. Tourism, a key economic driver for the region, may suffer as excessive heat compromises the comfort and safety of visitors, leading to higher operational costs for accommodation providers and potential damage to coral reefs from bleaching.

Utility companies are likely to face heightened demand for electricity as both residents and businesses seek relief from the heat, possibly outstripping the efficiency of energy production and resulting in power outages. The heat is also expected to exacerbate water scarcity by increasing evaporation rates, further straining water supply systems.

Children and other vulnerable groups are among those who will be most affected. CariCOF notes that the heat may severely impact students’ ability to learn, recalling the protests last year by students in St. Croix against inadequate heat mitigation in schools. This led to adjustments in school schedules to minimize exposure to extreme temperatures—a measure that may need to be revisited this year.

As the Caribbean prepares to navigate another hot season, CariCOF’s forecast underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures, echoing the adaptive measures taken in the past year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made public its 2022 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis this Thursday, showcasing a commendable 21% decrease in the environmental release of TRI-listed chemicals by regulated facilities since 2013. This reduction includes a striking 26% decline in air emissions, indicating significant progress in environmental protection efforts.

The analysis also brought to light a 14% economic growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector, occurring alongside the reduction in pollution. This correlation underscores the possibility of simultaneous industrial growth and environmental stewardship.

A noteworthy achievement was recorded in Region 2, which includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Indigenous Nations. This region witnessed a 24% cut in production-related waste management from TRI facilities since 2013. In 2022, these areas demonstrated exemplary waste management, directing 94% of their waste toward preferable treatment methods, including recycling, energy recovery, and treatment, thereby limiting harmful environmental releases to a mere 6%. The total releases and disposals in Region 2 were reported at 34.1 million pounds.

Adding to this positive trend, 11% of facilities in Region 2 implemented new pollution prevention measures in 2022, a figure that exceeds the national average of 8%. These improvements frequently involved operational adjustments and the enhancement of training programs.

Lisa F. Garcia, Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of the TRI data for community awareness regarding local toxic chemical usage. Garcia highlighted, “The Toxics Release Inventory data is pivotal in upholding the community’s right to be informed about the toxic chemicals handled in facilities within their vicinities.” She reaffirmed the EPA’s dedication to enhancing this vital resource for the empowerment of the public.

The nationwide findings of the TRI National Analysis for 2022 indicated that a substantial 88.5% of TRI chemical waste was managed through recycling, energy recovery, and treatment, with only 11.5% being released into the environment. The analysis compiled data from over 21,000 facilities across diverse sectors, such as manufacturing, mining, and electric utilities.

The 2022 report introduces improved visual and analytical tools, including the “Where You Live” mapping feature, to enable easier community access to crucial information. This tool allows users to delve into data by state, Tribe, metropolitan area, EPA region, and watershed, integrating demographic details to highlight chemical exposure risks, especially in communities bearing heavier burdens.

The report also identifies trends in waste management across specific sectors and chemicals and features profiles for the primary metals manufacturing sector, electric utilities, chemical manufacturing, and metal mining.

To disseminate these findings further, the EPA has scheduled a public webinar for Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET. This event will offer an in-depth review of the 2022 TRI National Analysis and discuss its significance for environmental safety and community health. The webinar is open for registration to all interested individuals, promising to be an enlightening session on the strides made in reducing toxic chemical releases.

The St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, through its Terra Ay Ay Environmental Action Group, has proudly initiated the deployment of a network of air quality monitors within select St. Croix communities. This groundbreaking move marks the beginning of a comprehensive effort to bolster air quality monitoring and community engagement on the island.

This initiative was sparked by the significant distress caused by the 2021 incidents at the Limetree Refinery, which adversely affected the health and daily lives of numerous residents. A Community Impact Survey conducted subsequently shed light on the dire experiences of residents, especially in the West End neighborhoods, where people reported suffering from intense noxious odors and debilitating health effects, such as severe headaches and difficulty breathing, during April and May of that period. In Kingshill, community members detailed encounters with chemical clouds invading their homes, posing serious health risks.

Armed with insights from this survey and a 2014 study by the Eastern Caribbean Center of The University of the Virgin Islands, the Terra Ay Ay project has strategically chosen locations for air quality monitor installations. Frederiksted now hosts the inaugural device, offering local communities previously impacted by industrial pollution access to immediate air quality data via the project’s online platform.

However, the ambitions of the Terra Ay Ay Environmental Action Group extend beyond mere monitoring. The project aims to weave community participation and educational outreach into its fabric. By seeking residential volunteers to host additional air quality monitors and partnering with educators to engage students in hands-on scientific learning, the initiative endeavors to cultivate a culture of environmental awareness and activism among St. Croix’s youth and broader community.

The Terra Ay Ay initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, with support from key organizations such as the Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT), St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA), and the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition (VIGFC). These partnerships underscore a shared commitment to environmental preservation and underscore a collective approach to fostering a sustainable and resilient St. Croix. Through such collaborative efforts, the Terra Ay Ay project is not only addressing immediate environmental concerns but is also paving the way for enduring community empowerment and environmental stewardship in the region.