Environment

Explosive hurricane forecast predicts over 20 named hurricane storms for 2024 season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to be one of the most active on record. Expected to begin in less than two months, It has been reported that meteorologists could run out of names for hurricanes and tropical storms. Experts are predicting a significant increase in tropical storm and hurricane activity compared to recent years, with the potential for a record-breaking number of named storms.

AccuWeather is forecasting between 20 and 25 named storms in the Atlantic basin this year, with 8 to 12 of those strengthening into hurricanes and 4 to 7 becoming major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.135 This would far exceed the 30-year average of 14 named storms per season.

The primary driver behind the heightened forecast is the expected transition from an El Niño pattern to a La Niña pattern in the Pacific Ocean. La Niña conditions typically suppress wind shear over the Atlantic, allowing more storms to develop and intensify.124 Additionally, sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico are running well above average, providing ample fuel for tropical systems.135

“All indications are pointing toward a very active and potentially explosive Atlantic hurricane season in 2024,” said AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva. “There is a 10 to 15 percent chance of 30 or more named storms this year, which would break the record set in 2020.”5

Forecasters acknowledge the validity of AccuWeather’s prediction but cautioned away from sensationalism, wanting to wait until other weather forecast institutes such as Colorado State University and National Hurricane Centre (NHC) forecasters to release their predictions, which is expected to be sometime this month. They also caution that the exact track and intensity of storms can be difficult to predict, even in an active season.

The 2024 hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, but some forecasters warn that tropical activity could begin earlier than usual due to the warm ocean temperatures. Residents and businesses in vulnerable areas are advised to review their hurricane preparedness plans and stay vigilant for updates from local authorities as the season approaches.

Environment

Barbados Moving To Reduce Effect Of Plastics On Environment

Barbados is moving full steam ahead to drastically reduce the effect of plastics on the environment, over the next 10 years, through the National Action Plan to End Plastics Pollution, which was launched yesterday at Warrens Tower II.

Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Adrian Forde, who addressed the launch, gave the assurance that legislation on single-use, petrol based plastics was coming.

He disclosed that approximately “500 tons of single-use plastics are sold every month, and they are distributed not only into our landfills but, unfortunately, across the length and breadth of our country”.

The National Action Plan to End Plastics Pollution incorporates five key policy interventions, which are considered to have maximum impact in the fight against plastics pollution.

These key strategies involve the phasing out of single-use plastic bottles, by integrating the installation of water refill points; gradually eliminating single-use plastic bags; and the removal of other single-use plastic items, such as takeaway food containers, straws, and lids.

They also include the implementation of ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’, which will drive source separation when national recycling is started, and the use of downstream measures, such as enhanced on-the-go and bulk waste collections, together with improved enforcement against illegal dumping and littering.

In the environmental, health battle against plastics, Minister Forde also encouraged “a sense of ownership of our country to ensure that we do the right thing for other generations to come”. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Adrian Forde, and Executive Director of Common Seas, Dr. Charlotte Davies looking over the National Action Plan to End Plastics Pollution, during its launch at Warrens Tower II while Permanent Secretary, Ministry Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Yolande Howard and Waste Management Coordinator Project Management Coordination Unit, Thora Lorde, look on

Environment

MESSAGE FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY JUNE 5

FROM THE HON. ADRIAN FORDE, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT & NATIONAL BEAUTIFICATION GREEN AND BLUE ECONOMY

Environment

New Model & Innovative Solutions Needed

New paradigms and innovative solutions are required to chart a resilient and sustainable energy future for small island developing states (SIDS).

Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, expressed this view today, as she addressed the SIDS Ministerial, being held in the margins of the 14th Session of the IRENA Assembly, in Abu Dhabi. Barbados was appointed as Chair of the SIDS Ministerial.

Senator Cummins stated that SIDS’ commitment to accelerating energy transitions had been heavily focused on the electricity sector. “But resilience and sustainable development demand that we agitate for the decarbonisation of the transportation and other end-use sectors….

“We cannot rely on the same systems and methodologies if we are to chart a resilient and sustainable energy future for SIDS. New paradigms and innovative solutions are required, or we will reach so far and no further,” she indicated.

Pointing to the Bridgetown Initiative, which addresses financing for climate resilience, the Minister explained that among other things, is designed to reform the way rich countries finance poor countries in a climate crisis by preventing spiralling debt crises from successive natural disasters such as droughts, floods and hurricanes.

“Targeted solutions comprising modern flexible policy, regulatory and legislative systems, which are responsive to technological advancements as well as bespoke financial models, are a necessity. Technical assistance, knowledge transfer, and capacity-building of our human resources need to be the nucleus of the transformation. The continuous development of these systems is vital to facilitate SIDS’ access to appropriate financing for the implementation of renewable energy projects,” Senator Cummins said.

She pointed out that this would assist SIDS in better managing their high debt profiles and channel investments to modernising archaic infrastructure, to facilitate the on boarding of renewable energy and innovative solutions, such as storage onto electricity grids, without compromising stability and reliability.

The Minister said the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative provides a partnership framework that facilitates support to accelerate decarbonisation in small island developing states and the strengthening of climate resilience.

She highlighted the success of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative but stressed it was not the time for nostalgia or to rest on our laurels. She proffered the view that it is time to reaffirm their commitment and reassess strategies because “much remains to be done”.

Senator Cummins continued: “As SIDS, it is imperative that we lead globally and use our collective voices to champion the energy transition and climate action.” (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: Barbados’ Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, in discussion with Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Francesco La Camera, at the SIDS Ministerial, which was held on the margins 14th Session of the IRENA Assembly, in Abu Dhabi