If the world took no action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it would cripple the economies of the Caribbean region by the end of the century, including the Cayman Islands, where the current GDP would be slashed by more than half, a new study finds. Comparing an optimistic scenario, in which the global population took immediate and sustained action, with a pessimistic scenario, in which greenhouse gas emissions continue to skyrocket, the report found that the economic outlook in the worst case scenario is grim. Despite the fact that Caribbean nations have contributed little to the factors that drive climate change, the report says the two dozen island nations of the Caribbean, and the 40 million people who live there, face hotter temperatures, sea-level rise and increased hurricane intensity that threaten lives, property and livelihoods. As ocean levels rise, the smallest, low-lying islands might disappear under the waves. More >>>
