Among the trends already evident and which will accelerate if action is not taken include:

• Rises in temperature affecting agriculture and making water more scarce in some areas, more plentiful in others leading to increased risk of flood.

• More severe tropical storms as Belizeans experienced over the past several years – Mitch, Keith, Chantal, Iris and this year Dean. Now we have Olga in December.

• Rising sea levels washing away beaches and coast lines with the warming of sea temperatures causing serious destruction (coral bleaching) to our World Heritage barrier reef system.

Planet earth is in peril. Belize is in peril. But just as science and technology have given us the evidence to measure the danger of climate change, so they can help us find safety from it. The potential for innovation, for scientific discovery is enormous. The regional Climate Change Centre established in Belize is doing valuable work to advise our government as well as the other governments in the Caribbean on the measures that can be taken not only to control carbon emissions but also on the adaptation mechanisms that can be put in place.

Yes we are in political campaign season. But the work of government – responsible government must go on. We have no time for petty politics. We have no time for the little sick minds who cannot think beyond destroying a PUP billboard with chain-saw bullies. Opposition politicians are so power-hungry, so desperate for power, so full of hate that they will victimize and intimidate. Instead of trying to make life better for all, they spend their waking hours plotting to make life worse for those who do not support them. “Mr. Quitar” Leader of the Opposition is hell-bent on taking away your land. He is hell-bent on taking away your job. He is hell-bent on destroying your way of life.

Our planet is in peril from global warming. Our country Belize is additionally in peril from local warmongering.