Climate change: risk and risk of the Dominican Republic
Posted on February 08, 2020 | Darys Estrella
According to the latest Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which is published annually, economic inequality, social polarization and environmental hazards due to climate change are the greatest risks that humanity will face. for the next decade.
According to the latest Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which is published annually, economic inequality, social polarization and environmental hazards due to climate change are the greatest risks that humanity will face. for the next decade.
The environment dominates the global risk landscape. For the first time in the twelve published reports, the five environmental risks have been classified as high risk and high probability of occurrence: extreme weather events such as floods or storms, the lack of mitigation actions and adaptation to climate change, the loss of biodiversity and the collapse of the terrestrial or marine ecosystem, the occurrence of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunami, etc., and environmental damage and man-made disasters, such as oil spills, radioactive contamination, among others.
On the one hand, last year a great leap was made and important advances were made regarding the fight against climate change with the entry into force of the Paris agreement and the ratification of powers such as the United States and China, but on the other hand, the change Politicians in Europe and North America put these advances at risk. And it is evident the evident difficulties and challenges that countries will have to face to ensure that their commitments and plans are fulfilled in this regard.
Of the 194 countries that signed the agreement, as of January 12 of this year, 123 have already ratified it, with a total inventory of 80.43% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. The Dominican Republic is no stranger to this situation, since by judgment 0651-16 of December 7, 2016, the Constitutional Court declared in accordance with the Paris Agreement, and was sent to Congress for ratification and that the country can benefit from the mechanisms of financing contemplated by that agreement.
On the other hand, it is also important to mention the vulnerability of our country regarding the consequences of climate change. Making a brief comparative analysis regarding the aforementioned global environmental risks, the Dominican Republic is an island that is exposed to the occurrence of meteorological events such as the onslaught of hurricanes, floods and droughts. It could also be said that there is a long way to go in the development and implementation of mitigation and adaptation plans, mainly in the densest population centers and in the economic sectors related to tourism and agriculture. In addition, despite the fact that there are legal regulations for the protection of the environment and natural resources, these continue to be exploited and depredated left and right, since we do not have the mechanisms for the adequate and efficient application of the laws. The problems of garbage, the pollution of rivers and beaches, the cutting of forests, the illegal extraction of materials, the usurpation of protected areas, are daily bread, and in many occasions deprives political and economic interest more than the common benefit.
The Dominican Republic must prepare for what is to come. The climate environment will be increasingly hostile. The challenge is that each one assumes the role that corresponds to her. That our country has a clear and defined strategy on how and with what resources to face the fight against climate change. Be prepared with mitigation and adaptation plans. That forests, mountains, rivers and beaches are preserved. That people do not throw garbage on the street. I want a good Dominican Republic for my children.