Express ( Trinidad and Tobago )
30 September 2023 ( Page 10 )
NGC launches online climate portal
Melissa Maynard
THE National Gas Company (NGC) has made available to the public an online portal that will provide real-time data on weather alerts, atmospheric conditions and emergency events.
In an effort to keep citizens abreast of climate-driven changes impacting Trinidad and Tobago, and as part of its climate action goals, the NGC launched the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Portal (CARP) yesterday at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.
Developed with the support of Coastal Dynamics Ltd (CDL), CARP uses Geographic Information Services (GIS), artificial intelligence and predictive modelling to map and chart climate-related risks such as sea level rise, coastal erosion and vulnerability and maritime alerts.
According to president of NGC Mark Loquan, 'CARP aims to strengthen our defences and reduce our vulnerability to those impacts of climate change that we may not be able to avoid.'
Loquan reinforced the importance of putting measures in place to mitigate against climate change as the Trinidad and Tobago including other small island states may not be spared from the negative impacts. He further stated that data is needed to support this preparation, saying that is what CARP provides in one place.
'So, what real-life value does the portal bring, the usefulness of real-time data, weather alerts, atmospheric conditions, emergency events. It's easy to see as citizens can use this information to plan their activities. Anticipate disruptions or take precautions to protect their health and property where necessary,' Loquan said.
'What is noteworthy is that CARP goes beyond the traditional hurricane and flood alerts to include warnings about other climate- related threats such as sea level rise, coastal erosions, storm surges and poor air quality,' he said.
Loquan said the portal will soon include more tracking data for flood and bush fires.
He added that the data can help private and corporate citizens make smarter real estate choices with the future in mind.
As well as the Government can also use this information to guide planning and development decisions.
'It brings all of this into a single location allowing us to see a more complete picture of impact. This is important because many events interact with and reinforce one another, sea level rise might compound flooding or cause it in unexpected places. Bush fires in one location affect air quality elsewhere…because of prevailing wind conditions,' he said. According to Loquan if the data can be seen in one place, emerging patterns can be detected that can feed into our planning and help us better prepare for and adapt to changes around us.
'NGC's CARP provides a single-source data-driven tool for visualising climate impacts in support of planning and decision-making around climate risks. As individuals, communities, and businesses, we must be prepared to adapt and become more resilient to the challenges ahead,' assistant manager of Sustainability at NGC, Mario Singh stated.