The devastating floods in October reminded this country that it is not immune to climate change but there is the assurance that it is not all doom and gloom.
Minister of Planning and Development the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis said it is important to identify the risks and vulnerabilities this country faces and look at the recommendations for development strategies, plans and projects which can be used to make Trinidad and Tobago resilient.
“The government recognises it is of national development, of economic development and growth, of national security and of all our citizens,” Minister Robison -Regis said at the official hand over of the Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Report - Trinidad and Tobago, recently.
There is the recognition, she said, that Government must take a logical and methodical approach to climate change, coupled with effective planning which is informed by research that is best suited for real impactful positive change.
“T&T’s efforts to deal comprehensively with climate change continue to be recognised and applauded on the world stage.”
To date the Government has taken the lead on the fuel switching program where liquid fuels are substituted with compressed natural gas (CNG). This has resulted in the displacement of 30,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The Planning and Development Ministry collaborates with the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries on an initiative which establishes renewable energy as a main stay in the power generation sector. The target is 10 percent in 2021 in the national electricity mix.
Minister Robinson-Regis said the government’s vision for the future of this country is to progress to sustainable emission-free transport. She believes these changes will bolster and further the nation’s move towards positive change regarding ecological impact.