Page 14 - ARUBA TODAY

A14 LOCAL
Monday 15 January 2018
Opinion Column: The Caribbean Thinks of Climate Resilience

BY Cdr. Slabbaert ripen? Anyway, to describe when it didn’t actually
ORANJESTAD - As time and the mission of such com- happen. That is like wisdom
age advance, and with it mittees in some straight- from the law and order pro-
one’s private and profes- forward wording: find out fessions. Politicians will not
sional life progresses, one what we recently messed take action unless scien-
might come to the conclu- up and how we can quick- tists can prove something.
sion that most things we do ly fix it again. The answer is They fear for their credibility
in life, in business or even so darn simple that it almost and to be fried to a crisp
in politics are just a bunch insane: any material or pro- if they cannot justify their
of nonsense. What is worse cess that was not created decision without proper
that we keep doing it for no or influenced by man, and evidence. Now, after those
good reason at all, and are still exists, has proven to be 20 years, one can at least
continuing to create more resilient, in some cases over say that tremendous prog-
nonsense. Some will put millions of years. The next ress is made, and climate
the blame on the boss or question may be, what change is about to be
the government, some on I’ve got some news for you. fection. Just imagine that it would have survived or proven. The time has now
the weather, others on their Extremely old news. It may took an evolution that long flourished if it wasn’t affect- come to think about ac-
childhood, their mother-in- take at least 10 digits to put to inspire some members of ed by human action or in- tion for becoming climate
law or a recession. Great a number on it. There is sci- the human species to de- fluence? There you will find resilient. And of course, on
arguments that underline entific evidence that forms cide on putting together some valid answers of what a smaller scale, like here
some of the nonsense even of life on Earth appeared committees to figure cli- to keep, copy and protect, in the Caribbean, a com-
more. Climate change and about 3.5 billion years mate resilience out. That’s and what to avoid. mittee may be assembled
resilience are trendy right ago. One year more or less a main topic in the head- Some prefer looking for of persons who must start
now. It is almost like want- doesn’t make a difference. lines nowadays. Just as a an easier solution, like we thinking first, about what
ing to blame Nature for There are people who may side remark, did you know need more insurance and they actually need to be
what Nature is and how it believe that it is what it took that French soft cheese more financial assistance, thinking about. Keep your
functions. to create true human per- takes about 4 weeks to or handouts to survive fingers crossed for #1 see-
when catastrophes hap- ing a plan of action and
pen. The correct answer is #2 enjoy experiencing the
again so senseless simple. implementation.
One is provided with two If I would ask Mother Na-
features for the use: brains ture for her opinion about
and hands. As for the all this, she might respond
hands, we all know that with: “You people think
some hands are bigger you are ‘Living the life of
than others, and that some Riley’ and you believe you
are used to do work, and are ‘Hot Stuff’. In my eyes
some are used to be held you are really only lolly-
up and receive. As for the gagging and dillydallying
brain sizes and functions, along through your limited
let’s not even get started time of life. From my over-
discussing it. The answers to all perspective, you are as
problems are usually quite unimportant as a miniature
simple and straight for- ship in a bottle. Mama Na-
ward. But in order for them ture will adapt and survive.
to be recognized and ac- I always did. And you? So,
cepted, human brains and listen to Mama Nature and
behavior have an annoy- learn from Mama Nature
ing delaying effect. and don’t try to have things
In 1997, I was asked by the your way.”Ding-dong!
Intergovernmental Ocean- “Mama Nature….,” I would
ographic Commission of ask with a sigh, “Why such
UNESCO to promote “1998, harsh words?”To which
The International Year of she may respond with the
The Oceans of the UN”. determination of a mov-
The mission was to create ing bulldozer: “Well, that is
awareness for the world’s what it often takes to make
oceans. At that time, cli- you people halt for a mo-
mate change was already ment and to forget your
discussed. Scientists had private interests, your short-
recognized all the indica- cuts and your personal
tions. They had computer convenience and comfort
models of the effects of ris- before you get going.”q
ing sea levels. Why wasn’t
something done about it *The views, opinions and
already at that time? positions expressed by the
For one, scientists typically author do not necessarily
have to prove things first reflect the views, opinions
and beyond any doubt; or positions of The Aruba
reasonable doubt is not today Newspaper, Carib-
even good enough. One bean Speed Printers, or any
cannot prove something employee thereof.