How Is Climate Change Affecting The Central American And Caribbean Country Of Belize

Like many developing countries, the Central American and Caribbean country of Belize is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Belize borders the Caribbean Sea to the east with 386 km of coastline. The country’s lowest elevation is at sea level, leaving it very vulnerable to natural disasters and rising sea levels. Similar to many other developing nations, Belize has contributed virtually nothing to the toxic gas emissions in the earths atmosphere, yet will suffer a great deal from its effects. Belize has already been feeling the effects of climate change. In 2010 for example, Belize was affected by several hurricanes. Hurricane Richard alone affected one hundred ninety thousand people, damaged about 60% of dwellings in Belize City, destroyed

For these people climate change is not an environmental issue. Climate change is a development issue. (Humes, 2015) Most Belizean citizens make their livelihood directly from the land and sea through farming, fishing, and tourism. Belizeans are vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its reliance on its natural resources as a source of income and food security. Both these sectors are dependent on favorable conditions in the climate. Thus, sea level rises and temperature changes can greatly impact the functions in society. A study found that Belize agriculture would be affected in three crop areas- rice, maize, and beans, where the growing season for all three would dramatically decrease. The study also found that reduction in yields of these crops would represent BZ $13-18 million in lost revenue. (UNDP, 2009) These are staggering numbers that can severely affect development for a small

Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Borrow, stated that he intends to use tourism to combat poverty within the country. (Cuellar, 2013) In 2012, the country of Belize welcomed one million tourists for the first time in history and ever since has done astronomical in welcoming tourists. (n.a, 2013) Subsequently, the effects of climate change can have severe impacts for the tourist industry in Belize. Warmer sea temperatures damage coral reefs that usually attract thousands of tourists wanting to snorkel and scuba dive in the world’s second largest barrier reef. Belize however, is already experiencing episodes of extreme coral bleaching all without recovery. Studies have shown that if temperatures keep rising, Belize is going to lose every one of its beaches by the end of the century. Moreover, due to increased flooding and lack of proper infrastructure, Belize has had an increase in dengue and now zika outbreaks. (Fuller, 2012) These are tremendous occurrences that are affecting the livelihood of Belizean citizens. The tourism industry accounts for 30% of employment among Belizeans. It is estimated that the economic impact of climate change for tourism would be BZ $48.3 million. (UNDP, 2009) Though Belize’s forest absorbs more carbon dioxide that they emit, they are feeling the disastrous consequences. Belize’s economy, the health of citizens, and their ultimate