As the rains continue in Guyana, I am sure it might be hard for us to shift conversations to the possible development of El Niño, conditions that could bring hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall to Guyana and the Caribbean. While El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon, its impacts can be significant, affecting agriculture, water supplies, public health, and daily life.
The possibilities of an El Niño event has prompted warnings from international climate experts and local authorities, who are encouraging us all to prepare early.
What is El Niño?
El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. Although the phenomenon originates thousands of miles away, it influences weather patterns across the globe.
For Guyana, El Niño is often associated with below-average rainfall, prolonged dry spells, higher daytime temperatures, and an increased risk of drought. Rivers and reservoirs may experience reduced water levels, while crops and livestock can come under stress from heat and limited water.
The potential impacts on Guyana include to our agriculture sector, with farmers facing reduced crop production because of heat and reduced water supplies that will affect both plants and animals. All our rice, vegetables and fruits are at risk. Reduced rainfall will exemplify these issues. Our conservancy dam that supplies our water in the coast can be less available. Those of us who depend on the rain to fill our black tanks can be affected.
And with increased heat and reduced water comes the bush fire risks which can affect our homes and lives. In terms of health, periods of extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, especially among children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Higher temperatures may also worsen respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
These realities can be scary, and we might ask “wah we guh do?”. Well, we can do plenty.
Experience has shown that the impacts of drought and extreme heat can be reduced when we prepare in advance. Government agencies, farmers, businesses, and households all have a role to play, and so do we as Guyanese. So here is a list of ten things we can start doing now to prepare for what may come:
- Repair leaking pipes.
- Collect and store rainwater during this rainy season.
- Don’t waste water.
- Drink plenty water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Limit hard activities during the times when the sun is very hot.
- Check on your older aunties, grannies, grandfathers, uncles and older neighbours to ensure they are alright.
- Ensure breeze could pass through your house.
- Don’t burn garbage when the place is hot and the sun is out.
- Report any fires immediately by calling 912.
- Talk to your family and friends about all these prevention measures.
While climate forecasts continue to evolve, the possibility of hotter and drier conditions serves as an important reminder that preparation is essential. Guyana has experienced the effects of El Niño before, and lessons from past events highlight the importance of planning ahead.
Let’s prepare now for what will affect us all.
.png)
