Column: MP Linda Smith On Climate & More
[Opinion column written by MP Linda Smith]
Every year, scientists report on record breaking warming. Looking at the devastation in Jamaica caused by Hurricane Melissa, one wonders whether the weather has reached a tipping point. The devastation left behind, the lives and livelihoods taken is truly heartbreaking. Hurricane Melissa may very well have signaled a call to action for serious reassessment.
It has long been noted that the smallest contributors to global warming are set to pay the highest price. The magnitude of Hurricane Melissa stems from unusually warm water and atmospheric temperatures within the region – global warming is widely reported as the driver behind the scale and probability of such a storm.
A Category 5 hurricane is considered extraordinary. Bermuda has long been proud of its international reputation to quickly bounce back from the effects of hurricanes, attributed to our stone structures, preparations and resilience. However, maybe we have also benefitted from a measure of good fortune, as it now appears that the scale of storms that we need to prepare for has shifted.
Most of us can still remember Hurricane Fabian on 5 September 2003 as perhaps the most frightening. At the time, Fabian was a category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph and gusts above 150 mph, intermittently moving it into Category 4 territory.
Fabian caused $300 million in damage, but most devasting was the four lives lost when storm surge washed out part of the causeway. While Hurricane Fabian is remembered as one of Bermuda’s most terrifying storms, the size, scale and speed does not compare with Jamaica’s recent experience.
Hurricane Melissa was a unique system that left meteorologists stunned and worried. Prior to reaching Jamaica, the system meandered at very low speed -reportedly slower than the average person’s walking pace- drawing energy from the Caribbean’s warm waters, while building strength for four days.
When Hurricane Melissa roared into Jamaica, it was a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 mph, causing billions of dollars in damage and a death toll that continues to climb. Melissa also devastated parts of Haiti and Cuba, while still having the energy to impact islands of the Bahamas, and Bermuda before dissipating.
The meteorological conditions experienced in Jamaica triggered the immediate payment of a $US150 million catastrophe bond, but this is a far cry from what will be needed to rebuild. Damage continues to be assessed but estimates so far are between $2-4 billion. Additionally, less than 20% of homes are insured, so for many people building back will be exceeding difficult, if not impossible. It is believed that recovery will take decades.
In Bermuda, watching what has happened over the past few weeks, begs the question, how prepared are we for the likes of weather systems, we have never seen before. We can ill afford to bask in the glory of our historical resilience. The behavior, ferociousness and longevity of Hurricane Melissa should leave us all wondering whether this is becoming the new normal and if so, how ready are we?
We know, we need more investment in our infrastructure, particularly our shore-line roads, some of which are crumbling on their own. There are also questions around the lifespan of our causeway and bridges.
Time and time again, Bermuda has proven that her people are as resilient as they come, but how well are we preparing for increased catastrophic weather risks? Is our infrastructure fit to withstand greater weather abuse? Does Government have appropriate and adequate insurance coverage and financial tools in place, should we one day need to rebuild Bermuda?
- Linda Smith is the MP for C31, Southampton West Central. She is also the Shadow Minister Youth, Social Development & Seniors
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