The National Climate Unit (NCU) says with the advent of climate change it is important that Guyana takes preventative health measures.

In a statement to mark world health day, the NCU said observances were held under the theme ‘Protecting Health from Climate Change’ in recognition of the fact that climate change poses a looming threat to global public health security. “Climate Change is not only seen as a future threat but as a reality of today as overwhelming scientific evidence points to this conclusion,” the release said. It said too Guyana has already experienced some serious impacts of climate change and it is expected that the country will also be affected by temperature rise, intense rainfall, longer dry periods and others.

In keeping with this the NCU said the issue must be addressed at the national, regional and international levels. The NCU and a National Climate Committee were established to engage in capacity building activities that will help to improve the country’s capacity to adapt as the phenomenon progresses.

The NCU suggests that citizens should consider modifying their homes and lifestyles in order to lesson negative impacts on the environment. It said too the public should, avoid dumping refuse in canals, build homes that will cater for flooding, avoid wasting energy, plant more trees and assist in community enhancement activities.