This edition of the Watchstander best exemplifies the impact of climate change with the publication of two articles that captures the extremities of fires and a hurricane that drew the attention of scientists across the globe in the field of climatology. Our national emergency services went from firefighting, to flood response, to hurricane all within a period of four weeks.
The 1st June saw the Coast Guard fighting fires in San Miguel Toledo District, (the district with the highest rainfall) and by 30th June we were on flood watch in Corozal District (the district with the lowest rainfall). Three days later I issued my first warning order to my staff to prepare for a hurricane. The last 12 months had record highs for each respective month making it the hottest year on record. The critical threshold for 1.5 c has been breached. In Belize we experienced the most devasting wild fires on record impacting over 400 people and causing over 8 million in damages to agriculture and housing. Hurricane Beryl, that created a hurricane watch in Belize became the earliest category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic region.
How does the Coast Guard prepare for these drastic changes in an environment that compels a readiness and response capability for such diverse challenges? Read More Belize Watchstander June 2024