{"id":31527,"date":"2015-11-18T09:45:02","date_gmt":"2015-11-18T09:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/viconsortium.com\/?p=31527"},"modified":"2015-11-18T10:23:04","modified_gmt":"2015-11-18T10:23:04","slug":"federal-agencies-pr-and-usvi-hosting-major-conference-on-climate-change-in-the-caribbean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wp.viconsortium.com\/?p=31527","title":{"rendered":"Federal Agencies, PR And USVI Hosting Major Conference On Climate Change In The Caribbean"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Forest Service, and the U.S. Department of Interior are joining forces with the Governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to host a conference on climate change in the Caribbean in San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to a joint press release issued late Monday. The conference began on Tuesday and will end today.<\/span><\/p>\n

The conference features dignitaries and scientists from many Caribbean islands and the U.S. who will explore the consequences of climate change to the region. Participants will discuss the progress that has already been made to address climate change and the need for further action, according to the release.<\/span><\/p>\n

The objectives of the conference are to increase understanding of the \u201cclimate challenge\u201d that exists in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the broader Caribbean. The conference will highlight recent success stories in preparing for and responding to the effects of climate variability and change in the Caribbean, review new advances in Caribbean climate science, promote tools and strategies that support climate adaptation and mitigation activities, and inspire further collaboration in responding to challenges of climate change in the Caribbean.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the conference, a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; EPA will also sign the document, which is geared at cementing a commitment to share expertise to address climate change in the Caribbean.<\/span><\/p>\n

The conference is being held\u00a0at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Law. Among the conference presenters over the two day period are Carlos Fuller, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Belize; Jean Yves LA cascade, special advisor to the president, Territorial Diplomatic Mission; regional council of Martinique, Shawn-Michael Malone, Office of the Governor of the Virgin Islands; Alejandro De la Camp, Caribbean area director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; Mona Barnes, director of the VI Emergency Management Agency; Augustin Carbo, chairman of the Puerto Rico Energy Commission, along with Jos\u00e9 Maeso, director of the Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration, and Johann Clendenin, chairman of the VI Public Service Commission.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plenary sessions and panels during the conference will cover a wide range of topics, including:<\/span><\/p>\n