Dear Editor,

Temperatures have been soaring everywhere. Europe recorded temperatures in the 40s this summer, forcing the early closure of popular attractions, and tourists were warned to stay indoors for their health and safety.

July 2023 was recorded as the hottest month globally by climate scientists. Elsewhere, wild fires have been raging, creating dangerous smoke hazard and poor air quality. The horrific images of the devastating fires in Maui, Hawaii, are etched in our minds, many are homeless and the death count is rising. Wild fires are caused by lightening, volcanic activity, dry conditions, and humans. Scientists believe record-setting temperatures and climate change create extreme weather activities on land and in the atmosphere. Jamaica has experienced some very hot temperatures also, we are not immune to what’s happening. We can do more to ramp up public awareness and strategies to fight climate change.

We can’t develop cities without a green plan, cities should be able to breathe. Properties with lush green spaces and trees are being rapidly rezoned and developed into high-rise complexes with concrete density. Trees provide shade and help to cool the earth, clean the air, and reduce carbon foot print. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during the food-making process of photosynthesis; trees emit oxygen and much less carbon than they absorbed; and trees are also aesthetic, creating natural beauty to any area.

Concrete structures magnify heat, they are a thermal mass which absorb and radiate heat back into the air. Concrete sidewalks, walls, roofs, and streets will heat surrounding areas. Schemes with slab roof houses are known for excessive indoor heat. We cannot ignore the environment in urban planning. There are other factors to consider such as impact on traffic and demand for water, electricity, and other services. Expanding cities will also mean more pollution and waste to manage.

Environmental studies have shown that cities with more green spaces stay cooler. Trees anchor the soil and aid the natural life cycle of water (and soil retention). Water seeps below the earth and cools it as it flows back into rivers, springs, lakes, and seas and evaporate back into the air. Trees also sweat, creating moisture in the atmosphere and produce rainfall, reportedly as much as seven per cent more compared to areas void of trees. Indeed, places like King’s House, with lush vegetation, have become far and few in the city.

We could use more green spaces with shade. One of the hottest cities I’ve visited was Madrid (a few years ago in summer); temperatures soared in the 40s Celsius range. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is located in the centre of the country. It is a land-locked city with lots of concrete; there are no water areas in sight (rivers, ponds, lakes); there are no beaches close by; and not many green spaces. Things will only get worse in these areas if more isn’t done to cool the land and atmosphere.

Jamaica still relies heavily on non-renewable energy, such as coal, petroleum, gas, etc. Another concern is the dependence on gas stoves for cooking. Reports have cited cancer as a health risk related to gas stoves. Gas stoves are less common in USA, Canada, and Europe, while in Asia the trend is moving away from gas stoves to induction and electric for cleaner cooking, and sale of gas stoves in this region are expected to drastically decline within the next few years.

Gas stoves release carbon monoxide and harmful pollutants in the air, which can be toxic. Indoor ventilation is believed to be more polluted than outdoors as much as five to seven times more; proper ventilation is key.

We must continue to explore renewable energy options such as solar energy, water, wind, and biomass energy to reduce overdependence on non-renewable sources. Extreme heat and other weather patterns will threaten and disrupt livelihoods, ecosystems, crops, livestock, and life in general. We are all affected.

I don’t think any one factor will have a significant effect on reversing the unusual patterns of climate change. However, the combined efforts can help to stabilise the situation and minimise the risk of catastrophes.

P Chin

Chin_p@yahoo.com