There is a critical need for more awareness of climate change and its impact on the coastal communities in T&T, said Tyrone Kalpee, bpTT vice-president safety and operational risk. "The possible and proven impacts of climate change are ones of critical importance to us as nationals of an island nation. However, for those situated in coastal communities, these concerns are heightened and the need for greater understanding, support and information is critical," Kalpee said, in a statement issued by bpTT.
He said there's a need for event greater research into the effects of climate change to support further collaboration between communities, business and governments around the world. "Scientific research into climate change is a platform which engenders healthy and mutually beneficial discussion and future plans for coastal communities, business and government." Kalpee spoke about bpTT's community-focused initiatives in the coastal communities of Mayaro /Guayaguayaguare, including the Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development (MIPED), the Community Environmental Training Programme and the company's support for the South Eastern Schools Environmental Awareness Competition.
"Our sustainable approach to supporting these communities has led to the growth and development of several large to medium service companies," Kalpee said. Kalpee was speaking at the bpTT-sponsored conference on climate change impact on coastal communities at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad hotel, Port-of-Spain. The conference, which ended on Friday, was organised by the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute for Social and Economic Studies. According to bpTT, the company operates in 904,000 acres off Trinidad's east coast. It has 13 offshore platforms and one onshore processing facility and produces approximately 450,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day.