Climate Change #Drought in Grenada May 2024

There is a limited amount of rainfall.
Data for rainfall by the various measuring Hydrostation here:

There has been a report from the https://reliefweb.int/report/grenada/grenada-drought-dref-operation-mdrgd001

Background on the event:

In 2024, Grenada faced its most severe drought in 14 years, prompting the government to declare a water crisis. The drought, combined with insufficient rainfall and aging water infrastructure, led to critically low reservoir levels. On May 10, 2024, Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell convened the National Emergency Advisory Council (NEAC) to address the urgent need for water conservation. Consequently, the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) implemented stringent water usage restrictions starting on May 12, 2024, to manage the crisis and mitigate its impacts​​.

Data of the water supply of the 14 years is here

The drought has affected approximately 100,000 residents. Water rationing measures now allow access to water only during specific hours, typically early morning and late at night, to conserve the limited supply and ensure equitable distribution. Restrictions on non-essential water activities, such as garden watering, car washing, and filling swimming pools, prioritize water use for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene​​.

Grenada’s aging water infrastructure exacerbates the crisis, causing significant water losses due to leaks and inefficiencies. Efforts are underway to repair and upgrade this infrastructure to reduce water losses and enhance distribution efficiency. These improvements include installing new pipelines and water treatment facilities​​.

Climate change significantly contributes to this crisis by disrupting weather patterns, resulting in longer dry spells and more intense rainfall. When rain does occur, its intensity and rapid runoff often fail to replenish reservoirs effectively. This erratic weather complicates efforts to maintain a stable water supply, underscoring the urgent need for improved water management and conservation strategies​​.

Additionally, Grenada is experiencing a significant heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 31.7 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days. This heatwave further strains the already limited water resources, adding to the population’s challenges. Experts predict that the water crisis in Grenada will likely worsen in the coming months, necessitating sustained efforts and humanitarian support to navigate this period and build resilience against future water shortages​​.

The 2024 drought in Grenada highlights the critical need for long-term solutions, including infrastructure improvements, better water management practices, and increased conservation efforts. These measures are essential to mitigate the current crisis’s impacts and prevent future water shortages amid ongoing climate change​​.

Impact

The 2024 drought in Grenada has led to several significant impacts across the nation:

Public Outrage over Water Restrictions:
The national restriction on water usage has sparked considerable public outrage. People who typically have a regular supply of pipe-borne water are facing significant inconveniences. The rationing schedule limits water access to specific hours, disrupting daily activities and causing frustration among residents accustomed to uninterrupted water supply. The restriction on non-essential water activities further exacerbates this frustration, as citizens are forced to adapt to stringent conservation measures.

Limited Water Supply for Non-Piped Areas:
For those without pipe-borne water, the situation is even more dire. The drought has severely limited water supply via trucking systems, leaving many without reliable access to water. This has particularly affected rural and underserved communities that rely on water deliveries. The scarcity of water delivery has led to increased hardship, as residents struggle to meet their basic needs for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

Agricultural Distress:
The farming community is in distress as the planting season is jeopardized by the drought and water use regulations. Crops such as corn and peas, which are critical to the local food supply, are at risk due to insufficient rainfall and the prohibition of using pipe-borne water for irrigation. Farmers are unable to adequately water their crops, which threatens yields and, consequently, the long-term food supply from local markets. This agricultural crisis has broader implications for food security and the local economy, as reduced crop production can lead to higher food prices and increased reliance on imported goods.

Economic Impact:
The drought’s impact on agriculture extends to the economic well-being of the farming community. Reduced crop yields mean lower income for farmers, many of whom depend on agriculture as their primary livelihood. The financial strain on farmers can lead to economic instability in rural areas, exacerbating poverty and limiting economic growth.

Health and Hygiene Concerns:
The limited water supply has raised concerns about public health and hygiene. With restricted access to water, maintaining hygiene standards becomes challenging, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases and other health issues. The situation is particularly precarious in areas without pipe-borne water, where residents may resort to using unsafe water sources.

Long-Term Consequences:
The current water crisis in Grenada underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and infrastructure improvements. Without significant changes, the nation risks facing similar or worse crises in the future, particularly as climate change continues to disrupt weather patterns. Addressing these issues is crucial for building resilience and ensuring the well-being of Grenada’s population in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. NAWASA has reported some upgrades that was in planning now being executed for storage tank system.

Reactions

Reflections:

Are the adaptive strategies enough? I have seen and realized that the river, the mosquitos and flies, the heat, the fruits and trees, and several other variables are being affected in ways that are not well understood. I used to think that solar energy could be a solution, but with the current wind conditions, I am now considering that wind power might be better for some situations, or perhaps a mixture of both. However, these solutions are purely reactive or adaptive to the issues at hand. I have yet to fully understand the root cause.

In May 2024, the eastern coast of Grenada was overwhelmed with sargassum, creating a health challenge due to its foul smell and the associated increase in pests. This phenomenon highlights the broader impacts of environmental changes, which are not limited to local crises but are part of a global pattern. Despite the recurring nature of the sargassum problem, no one has provided a clear explanation for why it keeps appearing along our coastline, moving from north to south, which at least indicates the direction of the wave currents.

The main actors in this crisis are the government and NGOs, who react whenever something triggers a response. Lives are being lost due to bacterial infections, an increase in nasal and lung problems, dehydration-related issues, and gastroenteritis, with symptoms so severe that people are becoming critically ill or even dying.

Religious institutions and churches seem to have little presence in addressing these matters. Perhaps they will only become active when a more dramatic event occurs. Currently, it seems that health, lives, and the economy are all in a state of silence, with no proactive measures being taken. It feels like a silent disaster—you can feel it, you know it is happening, but everyone just sits by and whistles.

So what have you been up to?

Reflections:

Are the adaptive strategies enough? In my community in Africa, the impacts of climate change are severe and multifaceted. Focusing on specific local events can provide a clearer picture of the challenges we face.

Sectorial Impact:

1. Agriculture:

• Reduced Yield: Due to prolonged droughts and erratic weather patterns, crop yields have significantly decreased.
• Reduced Livestock: With less fodder available, livestock numbers have dwindled, affecting meat and dairy production.
• Reduced Fish Stock and Yield: Climate change has disrupted aquatic ecosystems, leading to a decline in fish populations and catches.

1. Global Food Shortage:

• Nutritional Shortage: Reduced agricultural output leads to a shortage of essential nutrients in the diet.
• Hunger: As food becomes scarcer, more people are facing hunger and malnutrition.

1. Food Production:

• Less Arable Land: Changes in climate have rendered some lands unsuitable for crops like corn, reducing overall food production.

1. Health Impact:

• Negative Impacts on Grasslands: Deteriorating grasslands affect both human and animal health due to the loss of grazing areas and natural resources.
• Disease Patterns:
  • Vector-Borne Diseases: Increased temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have led to a rise in diseases such as malaria and other bacterial infections.

1. Flooding Extremes:

• Floods and Water Logging: Extreme weather events cause flooding, which not only damages crops but also disrupts planting schedules.
• Lowering Food Production Again: Recurrent flooding hampers food production systems, exacerbating the cycle of food shortages.
• Nutritional Issues: The disruption in food production systems leads to widespread nutritional deficiencies, affecting many people.

Community Challenges:

In addition to these sectorial impacts, the sargassum invasion along our coast has compounded the problems. This phenomenon, linked to climate change, affects fishing and tourism, essential for our local economy. The foul odor and increased pests from sargassum create further health risks.

Local Actors and Responses:

Government and NGOs are the main actors, but their efforts are often reactive rather than proactive. They respond to crises like droughts and floods with short-term measures, but long-term solutions are lacking. Water restrictions and conservation measures are implemented only after significant damage has already occurred.

Need for Proactive Measures:

Religious institutions and local churches have been relatively silent, potentially waiting for more dramatic events before taking action. Meanwhile, our community suffers in silence. Health, livelihoods, and the local economy are all declining, with no proactive measures in place. This silent disaster is felt daily, yet it lacks the urgent response it desperately needs.

In conclusion, a more localized and integrated approach is crucial. Understanding the specific needs and conditions of our community could help develop effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Localized efforts, supported by broader policy and infrastructural changes, are essential for building resilience and ensuring a sustainable future for our village.

Grenada’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (iNDC):

• Location & Emissions: Grenada is a small island state in the southeastern Caribbean with 2010 emissions at 251,649 tons of CO2, which is 0.0005% of global emissions¹.
• Low Carbon Commitment: The country is moving towards a low carbon emission development pathway, reducing reliance on fossil fuels with initiatives like solar energy, which now exceeds 2% of electricity production.
• Vulnerability & Impact: Climate change poses a significant threat to Grenada, affecting water resources, agriculture, and tourism, which are vital for the economy².
• Emission Reduction Goals: Grenada aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% of 2010 levels by 2025 and has an indicative goal of a 40% reduction by 2030.

1. Emission Reduction Targets:
   • Grenada commits to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% of 2010 levels by 2025.
   • Additionally, there’s an indicative reduction target of 40% of 2010 levels by 2030¹².
2. Relative to BAU:
   • A combination of planned actions and national contributions will result in a reduction of Grenada’s GHG emissions by almost 50% compared to projected Business-As-Usual (BAU) levels by 2025².
   • These actions include tax incentives for solar panels and solar water heaters, as well as energy-efficient light bulbs in government buildings².
3. Adaptation Priorities:
   • Grenada is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. It’s already experiencing changes in its climate system, including increased droughts, coastal degradation, and intrusion of saline water into aquifers.
   • Key adaptation priorities include:
     • Efficient Natural Resource Management: Given that 85% of Grenada’s land cover consists of forests, agricultural crop lands, and perennial tree crops (such as cocoa and nutmeg), protecting and managing these natural resources is crucial.
     • Tourism and Agriculture Resilience: Grenada’s main economic sectors, tourism, and agriculture, are at risk due to climate change. Adaptation measures are needed to ensure their resilience.
     • Water Resources: Addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable water management are essential for Grenada’s adaptation strategy¹.

In summary, Grenada is committed to emission reductions, but its adaptation efforts are equally critical to cope with climate change impacts¹. 🌍🌱

1. Pick one example of the efforts to engage the private sector in adaptation to discuss what kinds of efforts/projects you think could have the biggest opportunity in your country or region? Do you see these opportunities already under development or in use around you? Discuss.

1. Private Sector Engagement in Grenada:
   • Grenada, being a small island developing state, recognizes the importance of involving the private sector in climate adaptation. While the private sector’s role is still evolving, there are some notable initiatives:
     • Tourism Sector: Hotels, dive shops, and marinas have introduced small-scale programs with adaptation co-benefits. These include activities like replanting trees and mangroves and creating small artificial reefs as coral and fish nurseries¹.
     • Climate Finance Access: Grenada has trained experts from various ministries, the private sector, and NGOs to support its access to climate finance. A Readiness Action Plan has also been developed and is being implemented².

1. Opportunities for Private Sector Involvement:
   • Renewable Energy: Given Grenada’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, renewable energy projects offer significant opportunities. The private sector can invest in solar, wind, and geothermal energy infrastructure, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
   • Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Agriculture: The private sector can collaborate with local communities to develop eco-friendly tourism and sustainable agriculture practices. This includes promoting agroforestry, organic farming, and responsible tourism.
   • Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Investments in resilient infrastructure (such as climate-smart buildings, water management systems, and coastal protection) can enhance Grenada’s adaptive capacity.
   • Nature-Based Solutions: The private sector can engage in mangrove restoration, reforestation, and sustainable land management. These efforts contribute to ecosystem resilience and carbon sequestration.

1. Alignment with Grenada’s INDC:
   • Grenada’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% of 2010 levels by 2025, with an indicative reduction of 40% by 2030³.
   • While the specific example of private sector engagement mentioned earlier (e.g., replanting trees and mangroves) is not explicitly outlined in the INDC, it aligns with Grenada’s overall adaptation priorities. The private sector’s involvement in ecosystem restoration and sustainable practices contributes to climate resilience, even if not directly specified in the INDC¹.

1. Go to the UNFCCC website, locate your country and find the INDC submitted by your country; if your country did not submit an INDC, pick a country in your region. – does it have an adaptation component? Does the example on point a) fit in that countries NDC adaptation plans? Why or why not?