Experts Study Climate Change Impact on Cuban Coasts

“It is too late to regret the mistakes we made in dealing with nature; we have no other choice than adapting ourselves to upcoming changes and we are focusing on this direction,” said the head of the Oceanography, Physics and Chemistry Agency with the Geocuba Marine Studies Enterprise, engineer Fermin Vega in statements to Juventud Rebelde.

This institution, along with other Cuban scientific agencies, is undertaking a macro-project led by the Environment Agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment (CITMA), aimed at studying climate Change.

“Vega explained that the macro-project will assess climate change effects on Cuban coastal areas and the seas surrounding the archipelago, as well as spot areas considered vulnerable to variations of the sea level, tidal currents and waves, among other oceanographic parameters.

“We expect the sea level around Cuba to rise 27 centimeters over the next 50 years, and 85 centimeters in 100 years. We are currently reinforcing research to achieve more accurate predictions. Last year we focused on the Los Colorados archipelago, north of western Pinar del Rio province. And we want to keep researching this year in this zone and in the Gulf of Batabano, southern Cuba.”

The experts say that major problems linked to sea level growth have to do with the flow of salty water into local aquifers. In the face of the situation, they suggested the immediate planting of mangroves and other plant varieties, whose roots are able to withhold sediment and thus help preserve coastal areas.

“Based on the results of this initiative, the Urban Planning Institute took decisions aimed at restricting the construction of homes in zones that are vulnerable to floods,” the expert said.

“Similar regulations are being applied to hotel construction projects. Investments in this regard are planned with these factors in mind. Some day, whole settlements will have to be evacuated, though such a process will take place progressively. These changes will not take place in a sudden manner or in the short run. We are already taking preventive measures in this direction, so to be prepared,” engineer Fermin Vega pointed out.

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