Excerpt and Photo from caribois.org

Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a pressing reality that is affecting communities around the world in different ways.

In Tobago, one of the most visible ways that climate change is affecting communities is through its impact on public health.

Rising temperatures have been linked to an increase in heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

During recent dry seasons, communities across Tobago have experienced record-high temperatures which increases the risk of people having heat strokes.

Additionally, climate change can contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Warmer temperatures create favorable conditions for mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.