Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Dr. Adianez Taboada (Photo:tvsantiago.icrt.cu)

By María Josefina Arce   

The National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba begins its first ordinary session of its Tenth Legislature, after deputies in the Permanent Working Commissions received exhaustive information from the different ministries on important and sensitive issues of national affairs, which affect the daily life of Cubans.
   
Food production, the progress of the economy, foreign investments, attention to children and youth and the implementation of the Program for the Advancement of Women were at the center of the intense and critical debates.
    
Another issue of vital importance that attracted attention due to the challenge it represents for the country and the welfare of its citizens was climate change, a threat to the planet and of special incidence for Cuba due to its insular condition.
  
Among the causes of this phenomenon is the greenhouse effect, which is causing a change in the climate of the Caribbean nation, the Commission of Education, Culture, Science, Technology and Environment was informed.
   
According to the Vice Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Dr. Adianez Taboada, there will be an increase in the average annual temperature in Cuban territory and a decrease in rainfall.
  
A reality already experienced by Cubans, who in the last few days witnessed record temperatures in three weather stations, while in 27 others they were equal or higher than 35 degrees Celsius.
   
This situation will affect agriculture, an essential sector which already presents a complex panorama due to the lack of inputs because of the US blockade, but also, as pointed out by the president of the National Assembly of People's Power, Esteban Lazo, due to lack of organization, planning and failure to take full advantage of the existing potential.
   
Therefore, the experts pointed out, food security will be harmed, which is why it is necessary to seek alternatives and make maximum use of science and technology, as the authorities have repeatedly called for, in order to guarantee food production.
    
The greenhouse effect will also have negative repercussions on the health of the population, since, according to specialists, it affects the development of cardiovascular, respiratory and renal diseases and can lead to the appearance of new epidemics.
   
That is why Cuba, although it only registers 0.1% of greenhouse gas emissions, has a solid strategy in favor of caring for the environment, a constant concern of the historical leader of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro.
   
And as part of this political will of the authorities is Tarea Vida, a state plan to confront climate change, whose progress and limitations were presented to the deputies.
  
Among the main results are the protection of soils, waters and marine ecosystems, as well as the care of mangroves and coral reefs.
  
But there are limitations such as the lack of resources and materials for evaluations and diagnoses, the lack of technological capabilities and the insufficient involvement of society, so the importance of educating from the earliest ages on the need to protect the planet was stressed.
  
In spite of the limitations, Cuba works and seeks alternatives to guarantee the care of the environment, which in turn means ensuring the well-being of its citizens.