The Impact of Climate Change on Bermuda
5 February 2010 | Premier Ewart Brown
MR. SPEAKER
The subject of Climate Change has been very high profile in the international news recently. Members will be aware that, in November I led a Bermuda delegation to London for the OTCC Meetings and then went on to Copenhagen to present a case from the OTs on this important subject. At that time, my presentation was focused on the threat of this global problem to small islands in general and Overseas Territories in particular. Today I rise to share with this honourable house a report which examines the impact of Climate Change on Bermuda and it also suggests ways to effectively prepare for and address the threats to our social, economic and environmental wellbeing. This report is intended to initiate the discussion that will be necessary throughout the community to ensure we best prepare ourselves.
MR. SPEAKER
You will be aware that Bermuda, as a small island nation, has not made a substantial contribution to the problem that the planet faces with Climate Change, as our greenhouse gas emissions are negligible in global terms. Additionally, Bermuda will not likely make a sizeable contribution to the planet’s efforts to effectively plan for and address this subject. Nonetheless, the expected impact of climate change on our island home necessitates effective planning to address these threats to our sustainability.
MR. SPEAKER
Over the last 20 years the world’s population has increased by a third, global trade has tripled and per capita income has gone up by 40%. While this has occurred, the planet’s annual emissions of the main greenhouse gases have also increased by one third.
MR. SPEAKER
Bermuda is not a major contributor to global emissions however, on a per capita basis, we are not a leading example to the world. In fact, if the rest of the world followed our lead, the threat of climate change through global warming would undoubtedly be greater than which we are currently experiencing. As global citizens we each have a responsibility to do our part.
MR. SPEAKER
Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nations Secretary General, recently said in New York that “Climate Change is a defining challenge of our time.”
It is an issue that is now firmly on the world stage and is indeed one of the greatest challenges humans will face this century and beyond. Climate change threatens the basic elements of life for people around the world – access to water, food supplies, health and our use of our land and the natural environment. If current predictions are on target, it will also affect jobs and livelihoods.
MR. SPEAKER
The highlights of this important report for Bermuda include the following:
• Looking forward, up to 14% of Bermuda’s land area could be at risk of flooding during high tides;
• Increasing storm intensity threatens serious flooding, which will be exacerbated by sea level rise;
• There will be increased rainfall, more intense rainstorms, longer periods of drought and larger and more intense but less frequent tropical storms.
Such impacts threaten our:
• critical infrastructure including ports, the airport, roads and buildings, electricity and freshwater supply;
• community health and well-being;
• local agriculture and possibly fisheries; and
• our local habitats and wildlife species.
Bermuda’s challenge will be for our leaders and our residents to understand and accept the science that supports climate change, be aware of the threats of climate change to Bermuda and for us to come together and effectively plan for our future sustainability by identifying, agreeing and adopting the correct mitigation measures to offset the forecasted threats of this global phenomenon.
MR. SPEAKER
Through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of the Environment and Sports along with the architects of this work on the Bermuda perspective, the Bermuda National Trust, and under the leadership and coordination of the Sustainable Development Unit a series of public relations, education and information initiatives are being planned. Through this partnership, a coordinated effort will be made to educate and sensitise all residents to the importance of this subject.
MR. SPEAKER
Although I bring this report to this honourable house on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I do wish to acknowledge and thank the Bermuda National Trust for their leadership and vision with this work. I also want to recognize the fine work of Dr. Anne Glasspool, who prepared this report with the assistance and support of a wide range of professional resources inside and outside of government. Of course, thanks and appreciation is also due to Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd. and Mr. Julian Cusack in particular for support with this critical work.
MR. SPEAKER
Bermuda can set an example for other small islands with a coordinated and effective approach to addressing this issue. Such a coordinated approach has already been demonstrated in the compilation of the Sustainable Development Plan and I am confident that we can facilitate a nation-wide understanding of the issue and a comprehensive and realistic strategy that leads to a sustainable future for Bermuda.
Thank You MR. SPEAKER
