Another climate record: Extreme heat, hurricanes, droughts ravage Latin America and Caribbean

Another climate record: Extreme heat, hurricanes, droughts ravage Latin America and Caribbean

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) attributed the temperatures to a “double whammy” of El Niño and long-term climate change, leading to droughts and wildfires, combined with extreme rainfall and hurricanes.  “Unfortunately, 2023 was a year of record climatic hazards in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said the agency’s head, Celeste Saulo. “El Niño conditions during…

Read More
Tackling disasters means safer and fairer future for Caribbean: A UN Resident Coordinator blog

Tackling disasters means safer and fairer future for Caribbean: A UN Resident Coordinator blog

Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic activity and other natural disasters regularly cause destruction and the loss of life in parts of the Caribbean. On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction marked annually on 13 October, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq and Nahuel Arenas, regional chief of the UN Office for…

Read More
UN-backed project boosts early warning services in the Caribbean

UN-backed project boosts early warning services in the Caribbean

The $6.5 million projectshowcased practical tools and policy-making priorities in line with a UN plan to ensure all people on the planet are covered by Early Warning Systems by the end of 2027. Strengthening Hydro-Meteorological and Early Warning Systems in the Caribbean (CREWS Caribbean)targeted countries that are members of the regional bloc, CARICOM, with the ultimate goal…

Read More
At Caribbean Summit, UN chief calls for climate action, debt relief, and urgent aid for Haiti

At Caribbean Summit, UN chief calls for climate action, debt relief, and urgent aid for Haiti

Haiti The security situation in Haiti “is appalling,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, recalling his recent visit to the fragile nation. He called for swift action at a time when the humanitarian needs are “soaring”. And although “there is not yet the political solution in sight”, the UN chief expressed hope and optimism. “It is…

Read More
Caribbean carnival performers take stage to fight COVID disinformation

Caribbean carnival performers take stage to fight COVID disinformation

Dressed in black with a flowing cape and extravagantly oversized hat, performer Kurt Layne’s distinctive macabre ensemble blends influences from film depictions of the American wild west with West African culture. He cuts an imposing figure as he struts along a road bringing to life a traditional Carnival character, the Midnight Robber. He recently performed…

Read More
Caribbean sees first regional launch of global plan on early warning systems

Caribbean sees first regional launch of global plan on early warning systems

The event aimed to mobilize Prime Ministers to support the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4ALL) in the face of mounting climate hazards.  2021 was the region’s fourth costliest hurricane season on record, with 21 named storms, including seven hurricanes.   Protecting vulnerable communities  UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced EW4ALL at the COP27 climate change…

Read More