Welcome to BEST

From the 23rd to the 27th of June 2008, the Fourth Biennial Caribbean Forum (CEF-4) was held in Grenada. BEST Chair Stuart Hayward attended on behalf of BEST and produced the following report on the Conference:

CEF-4 Report

The gathering consisted of three integrated conferences:

• The 4^th Biennial Caribbean Environmental Forum (CEF-4) which was titled: Climate Change, Water and Sanitation: a Shared Responsibility
• The 13^th Annual Wider Caribbean Waste Management Conference, and
• The 1^st Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum

Among the opening Plenary Keynote speakers were the Prime Minister and the Environment Minister of Grenada. Also attending and presenting were the German and Austrian Ambassadors to the region.

All presentations and the proceedings of the conference will eventually be posted on the website of the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), the primary host organisation for the conference.

My own paper on Tourism and the Changing Climate (attached), focused on water supply and demand, and our cultural water conservation, then and now. There was much interest in details of our collection and storage.

The morning of the first day I was invited to join an Eco-Health Assessment Law Project Workshop. This group is conducting Environmental Impact assessment (EIA) case studies in the western hemisphere with a view to setting standards for the conduct of EIAs. The lead legal counsel for the team, Maya Prabhu (an MD and lawyer who is now pursuing PhD in psychiatry), offered to look at our (BEST’s and Bermuda’s) EIA needs with a view to getting pro-bono help for us.

At the Plenary session that first night, speakers of interest were:

Dr. Keith Mitchell (Prime Minister, Grenada) Caribbean islands must develop a sustainable architecture to cope with the expected increase in hurricanes. We must adapt our technologies to sustain our water supply. Grenada’s energy budget soaring = unsustainable — must go solar to kick the carbon habit. We must reduce waste and recapture those resources (“resource recovery” as opposed to “waste management”).

We are passengers on the road to solutions and must not be sidetracked (by superficial values). “We must turn our weaknesses into strengths.” “If we fail to plan we will be planning to fail.”

We must not become victims of GCC

Dr. Sharunda Buchanan (Dir., Div. of Emergency and Envt’l Services, Nat’l Center for Envt’l Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA) said the events linked to climate change include heat waves, intense and more frequent precipitation events; tropical cyclones; drought; extremely high sea levels; thus it was global climate change. She spoke of the essential responsibilities of public health services with the onset of Global Climate Change (GCC), in particular the predictable links between GCC and health issues, e.g. mosquitoes migrating northwards. GCC must become a mainstream issue because it affects everyone, though not equally.

Austrian Ambassador Dr. Irene Freudenschuss-Reichl (Dir. Gen., Austrian Devt. Corporation, Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs) declared that current energy policies are not sustainable. The goals of developing countries cannot be achieved without access to affordable energy. She announced that her country was convening a Global Forum on Sustainable Energy, and invited states and organisations to join. Austria wants to establish Vienna as a center for energy discussions — spearheading a global energy assessment that must include SIDS. <www.gfse.at>. Her theme was that there must be an integrated approach, not just looking to replace one energy source with another.

Need for values that put humans at the forefront; that avoid injustice. We must develop an acute awareness globally that there is only one earth for all of us.

Dr. Neville Trotz (Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)) [my favourite speaker, made several presentations. I have grouped his comments all together]. Dr. Trotz provided the most up-to-date and comprehensive data and analyses on GCC trends in the Caribbean/Mid-Atlantic region: sea surface temperature, sea level, snow cover, global mean temperature, glacial and polar ice melt — we’re living in a warmer world. He concludes that even if we were to halt emission of greenhouse gases right now, the effects will continue. We must therefore add adaptation strategies to our efforts to reduce g/house gases. He is engaged in a “Special Project for Adaptation to Climate Change” (SPAC): Build capacity for adaptation; Define risks; integrate climate info in planning and policy (e.g. coastal development, making use of “greywater”, increasing efficiency in all resource use)

Among his findings:

* The last 12 years are the warmest ever recorded in the region;

* Changing rainfall patterns are resulting in more floods and droughts (Guyana recently experienced 6 months worth of rain in one week. In Belize, pine forest beetles thriving in dry/warm and devastating the forests — dry heat = forest fires then soil washes out and settled on coral reefs.);

* The intensity of rain events up 3% now; expect up 20% by 2050;

* Elevated Caribbean Sea temperatures = stronger storms at lower latitudes (Brazil);

* Data shows correlations between sea surface temperatures and hurricane formation;

* Data shows more rapid transitions to category 4 & 5 hurricanes;

* Data shows warmer water at greater depths, which allows successive storms to repeat tracks of prior storms. (Whereas before, the passage of a storm would transfer the heat energy so that another big storm would not likely form in the same area very soon, now a single storm doesn’t dissipate the heat energy);

* Data shows the effect of temperature change on fish populations, e.g. some species are migrating north, out of Caribbean (parrotfish and mahi-mahi);

He notes that the region is highly carbon intensive and therefore less competitive. Alongside reducing our carbon footprint we must focus our tactics on adaptation (energy is at the core). One example of revised thinking would be to consider the Caribbean Sea as a biological corridor (leatherback & hawksbill turtles have entire area as habitat).

Points of interest on energy from other Plenary speakers:

• Upwards of 97% of the Caribbean region’s energy is based on oil;
• Sea level rise WILL affect hotels [David Wingate has noted 6” rise in his lifetime);
• Tourism has major effect on GCC (Air traffic is one of prime contributors to GCC = 5-10%). Tourists and tourism destinations have a joint responsibility for tourism contributions to GCC;
• The way forward is through energy conservation and efficiency (current methods of conversion from oil to electricity = 70% loss). There is a joint responsibility (tourists and hosts) move to carbon neutrality.
• Electric companies must allow individual electric producers to feed their surplus into the national grid (mobilize communities to make this happen).
• Much technology exists; what is missing is the political vision and will.

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For the rest of the conference the format switched to parallel sessions throughout the day. I attended every session I thought might yield information or contacts for Bermuda/BEST.

Natalie DaBreo (Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP/GTZ) Project, St. Lucia): is conducting a pilot energy efficiency (ee) project to reduce household energy use in a sample group by 10-15%. Will hold training workshops on ee practices. Seeking to change some of their practices for local economic and global benefit

Senator Elizabeth Thompson (Recipient of the UNEP Champions of the Earth Award Recipient 2008, Barbados): Today’s oil companies are reminiscent of tobacco companies, claiming there’s “no problem”. However, the global rate of oil consumption is unsustainable (we are consuming 3 barrels for every one being extracted).

One generation’s monuments are the mausoleums of future generations. We must explore the ethics of trying to justify our pleasure at the expense of the existence of future generations. Food prices are already up by 70%. Brazil, one of the few countries with the space to spare for fuel-producing crops, is 46% fueled by ethanol. Shunting food cropland to fuel cropland creates other problems. The US is selling corn on the energy market (rather than as food supply).

Thomas Scheutzlich (CREDP/GTZ Project, St Lucia): few SIDS have energy policies or strategies – this is to often left in hands of the utilities. In effect, policy, forecasting, planning and production of energy have been privatised. There is much talk of alternative sources (and people hawking wind, waste to energy, etc.) but energy efficiency (largely an untapped resource) has greatest potential: no investment or changes in policy needed.

[SJH comment: focus on energy efficiency deserves attention and support. We must include in the discussion the issue of unintended consequences of alternative “industries”:

• wind – noise, environmental, threat to birds, visual/aesthetic effect on tourism;
• hydro – environmental, displacement (land/housing);
• pv – exotic materials used in production, disposal;
• all production/delivery technologies themselves consume energy]

Dr. Martin Forde (St. George’s University, Grenada): Incineration being promoted as the “gold standard” in waste handling, including medical waste. However, incineration “solves” one problem by creating two others, toxic ash and air emissions. Seven out of ten Caribbean Islands are using med-waste incineration. Four of the seven are working reliably. He currently leads a Caribbean eco-health program ($1.6m 4-year grant) to study POPS, Burden of Illness; microbial contamination of rainwater; and bathing water and coastal water environments. Questions whether storage cisterns will provide good quality water?

Dr. Dirk Burkhardt (WINDREF Institute, St. George’s University, Grenada): Promoted photovoltaics = Sun makes electricity which is sent into house; excess goes into the grid. In Feb 07 general feed into grid from his home was 1:1 (his house uses 18kwh/day and his PV units averaged the same).

An “Interconnection Policy” for Grenada signed in May 08 sets out parameters for household withdrawal from and feed into the grid.

Advantage: every consumer can decide to do something, versus big investment required by wind or oil or nuclear. At current rates paid for itself in 8 years à 6yrs.

Another advantage: PV powered devices can be used after disasters, usually far more quickly than power can be restored to the grid.

Maikel Obeiki (EcoTech): Promoted solar heating & cooling. Solar heating can supply 75% of water heating/cooling needs. Hot water is stored in large insulated tanks and used when needed. Electricity & gas can be integrated into solar system. Solar cooling provides a/c for office buildings and public spaces (airports). Combined systems for hotels, housing complexes & domestic (not so efficient). Can be used for industrial pre-heating or pre-chilling.

Jon Lane: Economic and social benefits of improved sanitation. [While the information was of interest, the content would likely be useful only in the context of providing assistance to other countries, as Bermuda’s level of sanitation surpasses the levels discussed.]

For tourism destinations, health and safety are paramount.

Other key sanitation issues:

• lack of privacy = blow to dignity;
• gender equality – poor women greatest affected by insufficient toilet facilities
• social inclusion – exacerbated by lack of sanitation; to be surrounded by human waste stigmatizes and deprives of opportunity;
• school attendance – lack of segregated toilets works against female school completion.

This year = Int’l year of sanitation by UN to raise profile of sanitation

Steven Gilbert (Mgr. Recycling Plant, Bermuda) [the only other Bermudian I saw at the conference] spoke about recycling in Bermuda.

Every household originally provided with 5 blue bags – must purchase their own after that. Once a week pick up of recyclables (bottles & cans). Private contractor for collection = $475k/yr collection cost contract. Eastern half of the Island does more. Total collection = 1,475 tons /yr from 23k households.

Facility capacity =10tons/hr; occasionally run at 7 tons/hr. Take advantage of reduced shipping rates back to US. Government brokers prices – steel & tin prices rising. Glass crushed and used for golf courses and tarmac. Batteries (private pickup/delivery) packed into ‘20yd’ containers for shipping’. In 2008, 20 containers shipped. Lead prices have recently tripled = revenue generating. Air-conditioners shipped intact – 18 containers so far this year. E-waste not collected; drop-off = two containers received this year.

Looking into markets for ferrous, non ferrous, white goods, vehicles (has put out rfp)

Not recycling paper or plastic (incinerator needs these for calorific value). Looking at possibility of recycling rubber.

Overall solid waste mgmt budget $14m. Recycling budget $1.6m. Revenue = $300k. Budget for recycling education = $300 k/yr.

He made two claims that I found questionable and intend to follow up on: 1) Tyne’s Bay produces 10% of Bermuda’s electricity 2) Bermuda has a 20% recycling rate.

Benjamin Jargstorf (CREDP/GTZ, Consultant, Chile): Is wind energy the best option? Windpower industry is growing at 30% /year. The current state of windpower technology: achieve nominal power at wind speeds of 12m/sec; survival speed is 170 mph. They are massive structures. A 2-3kw plant has a 125-meter diameter “wingspan”. The tower heights average 100 meters. One blade weighs 20 tons. The tower head mass weighs 550 tons.

Andrea Jordan (Newcastle University, UK) Gasification uses biomass (waste, coco husks, sugarcane waste) and produces “syngas”. CO2, CH4, H2 are “by-products”. [In my view, we should steer clear of alternatives that add to the Earth’s load of greenhouse gases.]

Cletus Springer (Director, Dept of Sustainable Development, Organisation of American States (OAS)) doing work on valuing the environment. Replacement of mangroves by shrimp farms, for example, is looked at as economic replacement for agriculture. Actually, it is an environmental downgrade. Need for quantifiable environmental value measures to clearly illustrate ranking of uses for an area.

(Databases of bio diversity available from OAS at <www.oas.dsd/events/English/08.03.10.htm>)

Hans Peter Debelius (Director of Regional GTZ Office for the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean) pointed to the global reality that 1.5 billion people have no access to electricity. If they are to get on our energy consumption bandwagon, we will need a doubling of current energy supply. If that is done using oil it will severely exacerbate Global Climate Change.

We need concrete measures to meet energy demand, while remaining aware of GCC:

Policies

Must be in line with overall development goals & principles of sustainability à governments must set energy policy (not utilities);

Must evaluate costs vs. risks — for consumers and providers;

Must fit fiscal limitations.

Renewables

Sun, wind, water — endless supply; only a fraction made usable;

Fossil fuels are subsidised;

Renewables can be decentralized = readily available to rural areas.

Efficiencies

Currently, 70% is counted for as loss — production, transmission, consumer (domestic, commercial and industrial);

Benefits: cost reductions and reduced health risks;

Aim for more customers supplied with same generating capacity

[My contribution to this presentation: A fact of global life is that there are 5,000 more “consumers” added to the planet every day (births minus deaths), all of whom require water, housing, clothing, 3 meals/day, transport, jobs, recreation, “wealth” creation, ENERGY = Sisyphus pushing a ball growing in size up a progressively steeper hill.]

Dr. Angus Friday (Representative of Grenada to the UN; Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)) advocated “new island state”: an idealised state has hope as a mindset. Need revise mindset, e.g. wealth creation vs. new hotels.

SIDS have a responsibility to do our part – we must raise our voices to sensitise our people to what is at stake so they can act toward solutions (best practices).

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My thanks to BEST for making possible my attendance at this conference. The trip was useful in making contacts for assistance with EIAs; contacts for proponents and merchants for solar heating, cooling and electricity generation. The most promising concepts were those of “carbon neutral tourism” and the certification of tourist facilities as “carbon friendly.” I believe we will be hearing more about these ideas from conference leaders Once the Conference Proceedings become available I will have the link posted on the BEST website.

Posted on August 20th, 2008 under Uncategorized • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback