Wild Tobago

 There is a finite quantity of fresh water on earth, and a quantifiable amount available for use by humans. Dr Anjani Ganase looks at the challenge of maintaining water supplies at satisfactory quality levels in all habitats. Waterfall in Hawai`i. Photo courtesy Anjani Ganase Heavy rainfall over the last few weeks, and more recently last Friday in Tobago, Saturday on Trinidad, filled our rainwater tanks - all 1800 gallons - in less than ten minutes, the same time it took to flood the rivers, cascade onto streets, and cause a three-hour traffic jam on major highways. The future projection for water distribution with the changing climate sees some places getting wetter (tropical zones), while other places will get drier (temperate zones). It also predicts more intense rainfall and periods of drought. On a daily basis, we are flooded with reports of both wildfires and devastating floods. Areas that are wetter and more prone to flooding include the Amazon and the Orinoco basins. It is ...

What’s the real challenge against climate change? What can an individual do? Dr Anjani Ganase identifies the problem – using more than we need aka excessive consumerism – and talks about wise use of at least one resource, water. We often come across these all-in-one solutions for saving the environment. Such solutions appear in the form of social media video campaigns where a simple action/ purchase, such as reusable shopping bags, reusable straws, smart light and hybrid cars may be enough to save the planet. However, even with the consumer substitution of more “eco-friendly” products, as long as we keep consuming, we are essentially swapping one resource for another, and therefore we continue to draw from the finite capacity of our natural environment. Furthermore no eco-friendly substitute may be suitable, when we consider the numerous environments and economies globally. For a small island nation, the carbon footprint of importing and manufacturing greener products, especially ...

Anjani Ganase, Trinbagonian marine biologist, considers the big picture. The air we breathe, the waters that encircle the earth, these connect all living creatures. This week, she looks at the fortunes of big countries, and small-island states, and asks each person to reflect on personal consumption habits and where your waste stream ends up. Follow Anjani Ganase on twitter: @AnjGanase This view of Englishman’s Bay is known around the world as a place of paradise.  Photo by Anjani Ganase Let’s talk about the air There are about 22 million people living in Beijing, China. In this city the air is so polluted that people often wear respiratory masks to breathe as emissions from five million cars and coal fired plants release unhealthy levels of noxious gases. In December 2015, even masks were not enough; the smog of pollution closed down schools and outdoor activity, until the level of toxic particulates dropped. This pollution kills 4000 persons a ...