EDITORIAL

Global warming and climate change are two topics which have prompted significant discussion in recent years. These subjects have been well ventilated, as well as ideas on the mitigative and adaptive measures that can be implemented in order to slow down, and some cases, reverse the effects of these phenomena. Many in Barbados and around the world acknowledge the gravity of the facts presented, however, there seems to be an unwillingness to take responsibility and hence work towards changing habits and lifestyles for the benefit of the earth and all its citizens.

The main question being asked is, “Who is to blame and therefore who should take responsibility for dealing with the existing problem? There is no shortage of blame being ascribed to countries like China and the United States, whose economy is based heavily on industrialisation with excessive levels of greenhouse gases being released into the earth’s atmosphere daily. Are we willing to return to earlier days where we used primitive methods rather than have access to the more advanced technology, engineered to make our current lives easier? We suspect not.

Then how can we blame these countries who work hard towards simplifying our daily lives? Furthermore, as earlier suggested, what about our own personal responsibility? Should we also blame our governments for promoting the development of our countries in an effort to improve the overall standard of living, when it means that we may be affected environmentally?

If the Government of Barbados reduced the number of vehicles available to a household as a means of lowering the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere, what would be the overall response? Most likely there would be a plethora of complaints from our good citizens about the inconveniences of the restriction. Consider the likely increase in the country’s already substantial gas bill with the need for additional pickups and drop-offs; the inadequacy of the existing bus system; and having to leave home earlier and return later as a result. Maybe eventually persons would accept the situation, but not without some repercussions for the government in power.

In March, here in Barbados, we have considered these issues and began the implementation of a single use plastics ban and the eventual phasing out of the said plastics and Styrofoam containers. It is well known that when these plastic and Styrofoam containers become garbage and in many cases litter, they find their way into our drainage system and ultimately the ocean. Coastal zone management is geared towards protecting one of our major tourism products, our beaches. It can therefore be said that our efforts will support Barbados’ contribution towards reducing the impact of climate change on the world. Undoubtedly, there will be some who might think that the population’s money and energy could be better directed towards social policies such as child care, or recreational facilities. Others might suggest that this initiative does not reduce the unemployment problem of the country, rather the cost of the alternatives add to the financial burden of our
citizens. Some of these are likely to be the same individuals who refuse to participate in fledgling community initiatives that encourage recycling,
leading to their abandonment as others involved become frustrated.

In all things there must be a balance. One should not assume that everything that will improve our lives comes easily and without a consequence. As Barbados develops, an attitude must be fostered where citizens accept their responsibility in these global concerns and are willing to make the necessary sacrifice towards a better world for all.