Greenhouse

Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago

The fastest growing town in Trinidad and Tobago, Chaguanas is our Caribbean representative.

Weather and Climate

Trinidad and Tobago has a tropical maritime climate. Temperatures don't vary greatly and reach an average maximum of 31°C. January - June is the dry season when temperatures and humidity decline slightly. The wet season runs from June to December. In Trinidad, most of the rain falls in the mountainous north while drought can be a major problem in the interior of the island.

Environmental Challenges

Trinidad and Tobago is a Small Island Developing State (SID). SIDs contribute only 1% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, but because of their size and small island geography, they are disproportionatley affected by climate change. If the current rise in global temperature continues, Trinidad and Tobago will come under greater threat from intense tropical storms which can lead to flooding, loss of homes and loss of clean water. Climate change also threatens to bring more Dengue fever to Trinidad and Tobago. Dengue fever is a disease, spread by mosquitoes, which is prevalent in the tropics. Although its spread is characterised by socio-economic factors, it is thought that changes in climate will also affect Dengue incidence. A year on year increase in air temperatures, leading to increased domestic water shortage, will provide ideal breeding grounds for the virus.

Climate Change Policy

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has developed a climate change strategy which includes a commitment to increasing the use of renewable energy and increasing the use of cleaner technology in all greenhouse gas-emitting sectors.

Trinidad and Tobago has the highest per capita CO2 emissions and oil consumption rates of any Commonwealth country. This is due to its significant oil industry which makes energy a cheap and abundant commodity.

Commonwealth

Trinidad and Tobago has been a member of the Commonwealth since its independence in 1962, and is the strongest Caribbean economy in the association. The nation played host to the most recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2009. Coming just before the UN's Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the Port of Spain Climate Change Consensus was a key achievement of the CHOGM. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is the current Chairperson-in-office of the Commonwealth.

Did you know...?

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago were once attached to the South American mainland. They still share similar vegetation and fauna to the continent.

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Ottawa, Canada

The capital city of the Commonwealth's largest country, Ottawa is our North American representative. With temperatures ranging from -15°C to 28°C, the residents of Ottawa face big challenges in reducing their environmental impact.

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The Envirocentre

Weather and Climate

Ottawa experiences an extremely varied climate. In winter temperatures can dip as low as -15°C (average) in contrast to a high of 28°C (average) in the summer. Rainfall is spread relatively evenly across the year.

Environmental Challenges

Climate change studies for the Ontario region predict changes in the water levels of the Great Lakes, impacting on biodiversity and reducing hydro-electric output. More frequent occurrences of extreme weather are predicted, with heavy rainfall leading to flooding, as well as very hot days causing an increase in heat-related deaths and risk of forest fires.

Climate Change Policy

Ottawa sits within the province of Ontario. Ontario has made a commitment to a Climate Change Action Plan. It aims to cut the province's 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 6% by 2014, 15% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. It is the only province in Canada to commit to a complete phase out of coal fired electricity. A $150 million investment has been put aside to help Ontario homeowners fight climate change, conserve energy and adopt greener technologies. The Government of Canada has committed to reducing the country's total greenhouse gas emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020.

Commonwealth

Canada has been an integral member of the modern Commonwealth ever since its foundation in 1949. It is now the second largest contributor to the intergovernmental Commonwealth (after the UK) and hosts the Commonwealth of Learning in Vancouver. The RCS has a network of 14 branches across Canada, including one in Ottawa itself. In terms of area, Canada is the largest country in the Commonwealth and it is the association's second largest economy. Of all Commonwealth countries, Canada has, per capita, the highest consumption of electricity, the second highest consumption of oil and the third highest CO2 emissions

Did You Know?

Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world

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Malé, Maldives

Malé is the capital city of the Maldives, a group of islands already experiencing the impact of climate change. The Maldives aims to be the world's first carbon neutral nation by 2020.

Partners

Energy and Climate Change Department

Weather and Climate

The Maldives has a tropical maritime climate. Temperatures are consistently between 25°C and 30°C all year round. The rainy season falls between May and November.

Environmental Challenges

Climate Change poses an immediate threat to the Maldives due to its low-lying island geography. Sea level and temperature changes could inflict irreversible changes on undersea currents, affecting the migration of fish species such as tuna which are of significant economic importance to the Maldives.

Climate Change Policy

In 2009, the Maldives' fight against climate change gained international attention when the country held the world's first underwater cabinet meeting. President Nasheed has pledged that the Maldives will be the world's first carbon-neutral nation by 2020.

Commonwealth

The Maldives has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1982 and the association has been a key supporter of the Maldives' path towards democracy.

Did You Know...?

The number of tourists who visit the Maldives annually is greater than the country's total population.

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Malacca, Malaysia

A popular tourist destination in Malaysia, Malacca's historic old town is a UNESCO world heritage site.

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Weather and Climate

Malaysia has a typical equatorial climate with little variation from season to season. Average temperatures fluctuate around 30°C with a relative humidity of around 82%. Rain falls frequently all year round with September to December experiencing the greatest amounts of rainfall.

Environmental challenges

Climate change is predicted to increase the strength and frequency of tropical storms, which will lead to heightened beach eroision at key biodiversity hotspots across Malaysia. In Sabah, the turtle islands nesting site is under threat from this problem, endangering the breeding success of green and hawksbill turtles. Turtle breeding success is also affected by nest temperature, which determines the sex of the hatchlings. Warmer nests produce more females. If the warming of air temperatures continues, fewer males will be born threatening the long term success of several key turtle species.

Climate Change Policy

Malaysia has an active stance on environmental issues including high-profile developments such as the low energy office building of the Ministry of Energy, and programmes including the Sustainable City Environment Awards. The country's National Environment Policy aligns firmly with the aims of the Climate Challenge, stating that Malaysia will engage in active international participation in environmental initiatives and prioritising public education to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Commonwealth

Malaysia joined the Commonwealth in 1957. Since then, it has been an active participant in the association, hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1989 and the Commonwealth Games in 1998. In 2004, it chaired the maiden Commonwealth Tourism Ministers Meeting. Malaysia receives more tourists each year than any other Commonwealth country, other than Canada or the UK.

Did You Know?

Rafflesia, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, is the world's largest and heaviest flower. With a width of up to 100cm and a weight of up to 10 kg it can be found in the Malaysian rainforest.

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Oxford, United Kingdom

Located in south-east England, Oxford is our European competitor. Oxford is home to a number of environmental organisations ranging from grass-roots projects to world-renowned charities such as Oxfam.

Partners

The Environmental Change Institute

Weather and Climate

Oxford experiences a mild maritime climate with distinct seasonal variations. In summer (June-August) average maximum temperatures reach 20°C, with winter temperatures (December-February) reaching an average maximum of around 6°C. Rain is relatively uniform throughout the year, decreasing slightly during the summer. The city receives just under 650mm of rain in an average year.

Environmental challenges

In the UK, the average temperature is likely to increase with global warming, with summer heat-waves becoming more common. The 1990s was the warmest decade in the UK since records began. Sea levels are also rising, leading to coastal erosion and extreme rainfall leading to flooding is likely to become a more common occurrence.

Climate Change Policy

In 2006, the UK Government released the Stern Review, the largest and most widely-known study into the economic impact of climate change. The conclusion of the review is that the benefits of early action against climate change will outweigh the costs to the economy if nothing is done (estimated at a 20% reduction in world GDP). Significant activity has taken place in this area, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) releasing its Climate Change Action Plan in March 2010

Commonwealth

GreenHouse is being run by the Royal Commonwealth Society whose headquarters are based in London. The UK has long been heavily involved in the Commonwealth movement. It is the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth as well as being the home of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city, is set to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Of the 12 GreenHouse countries, the UK has the second highest total fossil fuel emissions and the second highest volume of municipal waste collected.

Did You Know...?

Nowhere in the UK is more than 72 miles from the sea.

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Nairobi, Kenya

Located in east Africa, Nairobi is Kenya's capital city. Many international organisations have their African headquarters in Nairobi, including the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

Partners

Nature Kenya

Weather and Climate

Nairobi experiences a sub-tropical highland climate. Temperatures peak in February and March with average maximums of 25°C; the colder months of June and July have averages of 20°C. Rainfall is characterised by two wet seasons (March-May and October-December). In April, the wettest month, around 220mm of rain can fall.

Ennvironmental challenges

Drought and desertification are major problems in parts of Kenya and it is widely believed the underlying cause of these problems is anthropogenic climate change. As a result, food prices have doubled across the country, big game populations are threatened, electricity has to be rationed and the price of water has quadrupled. Research from Concern Worldwide has shown that droughts that once occurred every seven years are now occurring every year. For millions of Kenyans, whose livelihoods depend on the land they farm, drought is bringing severe poverty and an increase in deaths from water-related diseases. The land is becoming less and less habitable.

Climate Change Policy

In December 2009, Kenya launched its National Climate Change Response Strategy with Prime Minister Raila Odinga stating that the government was seriously addressing the issue. This came after a report revealed the country stood to lose up to 3% GDP per year by 2030 as a result of climate change.

Commonwealth

Kenya is the third largest African economy in the Commonwealth. It has been a member of the association since its independence in 1963. Nairobi is the venue for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference taking place in October 2010.

Did You Know...?

More than 100 species of snake can be found in Kenya

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Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, which has recently introduced an Emissions Trading Scheme that puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions.

Partners

The Sustainability Trust

Weather and Climate

Wellington enjoys a mild maritime climate with moderate changes in temperature throughout the year. Temperatures rarely exceed 25°C and are unlikely to drop below 5°C. Rainfall is heavier in the colder months of June and July, but snow rarely falls in the city.

Environmental challenges

New Zealand is faced with the common threats of climate change including higher temperatures, rising sea levels and a change in rainfall patterns. New Zealand has a large agricultural sector and climate change brings risk of drought and the spreading of pests and diseases. Rising sea levels will bring saltwater intrusion and retreating glaciers may cause more melt-water to be released into South Island rivers, heightening the threat of flash floods.

Climate Change Policy

In his Commonwealth Day message of March 2010, Prime Minister John Key said that climate change and the environment are issues "of great importance to our beautiful country". New Zealand is committed to reducing its emissions, particularly in the agricultural and forestry sectors and is a strong advocate of international climate change governance

Commonwealth

New Zealand has been a member of the modern Commonwealth since its creation in 1949. The RCS has a strong connection with the country, with the first overseas branch of the RCS established in Christchurch in 1913.

Did You Know...?

New Zealand's Maori name is Aotearoa, meaning 'Land of the Long White Cloud'.

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East London, South Africa

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Weather and Climate

Environmental challenges

Climate Change Policy

Commonwealth

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Apia, Samoa

Apia is the capital city of Samoa, an island state that is particularly susceptible to the impact of climate change

Partners

Meteorology Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment

Weather and Climate

Samoa experiences an equatorial climate strongly affected by monsoons. Temperatures are uniform around the year, averaging a high of 30°C. The rainy season is from November to April, yet rain is frequent all year round. Samoa experiences a total annual rainfall of over 3,000mm, or 3m!

Environmental challenges

The Pacific islands are visible symbols of how climate change is affecting nations today. Rising temperatures are causing coral bleaching resulting in reduced fish stocks. Samoa is on the edge of major tuna migrations and fishing success can fluctuate from extremely successful to failure depending on ocean temperatures. The country is extremely vulnerable to a rise in sea level with most infrastructure, agriculture and tourism located in the coastal zone. Storm frequency and intensity is also predicted to increase with climate change. Although Samoa has one of the lowest levels of CO2 emissions per capita among Commonwealth countries, this is predicted to increase, particularly in the domestic sector. Currently, around 40% of electricity is provided by hydropower; however, this is dependent on the availability of water which, as shown by the drought of 1998, can be impacted upon by prolonged water shortages.

Climate Change Policy

The Government of Samoa has been particularly active to address these issues, holding its first National Climate Change Summit in 2009 as well as introducing a National Energy Policy and running high profile energy and climate awarenes programmes

Commonwealth

Samoa has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1970 and has the fastest growing economy among the Pacific Island countries. Samoa is set to host the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2015. Globally, the Commonwealth is seen as a champion of Small Island States like Samoa, as it gives them an equal voice on the international stage.

Did You Know...?

In September 2009, Samoa changed the side of the road on which cars drive from right to left

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Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos is GreenHouse's Nigerian representative and is also the challenges most populous city

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Weather and Climate

Lagos experiences a tropical climate, influenced by trade-winds off the Atlantic Ocean. There are two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The heaviest rains fall between April and July and a weaker wet season occurs between October and November.

Environmental Challenges

Nigeria's mangrove forests, which provide a natural mechanism against rising sea levels, are under threat. Pollution, thought to be from the oil industry in the Niger Delta, has reportedly seriously damaged the region's mangroves. The forests are also under threat from the rapidly expanding export shrimp industry. Many of Nigeria's urban areas are located in low lying coastal areas, and are therefore at risk from sea level rises.

Climate Change Policy

In May 2010, Lagos hosted the second National Climate Change Summit, tackling the theme of adapting to climate change.

Commonwealth

Nigeria joined the Commonwealth in 1960 and hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2003. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with the second largest African economy in the Commonwealth

Did You Know...?

It is estimated that over 500 languages are spoken in Nigeria

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Thiruvananthapuram, India

The capital of Kerala state, Thiruvananthapuram is in south-west India. Thiruvananthapuram is considered one of the cleanest cities in India.

Partners

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) - India

Weather and Climate

India experiences a range of climates due to its size. Thiruvananthapuram enjoys a tropical climate with regular monsoons. Its equatorial location means it does not experience distinct seasons. Temperatures fluctuate around 31°C. The rainy season is between April and November with the heaviest precipitation falling in June. December to March remains relatively dry with a slight increase in temperature.

Environmental challenges

India's population relies heavily on the country's natural resources, which are likely to be threatened by the impact of climate change. Environmental degradation could lead to hunger and food insecurity, driving the poverty rate upwards. The country is also facing increasing melt-water in the Himalayas, causing flooding in lower lying areas.

Climate Change Policy

Due to its rapid population growth and industrialisation rates, India has a key role to play in global climate change mitigation. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2009, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh spoke passionately about the urgency of the challenge of global climate change. India has an ambitious National Action Plan on Climate Change, covering both mitigation and adaptation; however as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India is the fourth largest emitter of Carbon Dioxide worldwide. India is recognising that, while economic and social development is imperative, managing growth sustainably is also essential.

Commonwealth

Since its formation as a Republic, India has always has a strong association with the modern Commonwealth and has been heavily involved in its evolution. India's huge population means that over half of the Commonwealth's two billion citizens are Indian. India's support for the association has seen it house the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. India is helping to fund the Commonwealth Small States' offices and is hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi this October. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency Mr Kamalesh Sharma, is Indian. The RCS' connection to India is strong, with four branches across the country.

Did You Know...?

There are 83 national parks and 447 wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering nearly 5.2% of the country.

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Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart is the state capital of Tasmania. A hub of environmental activity in Australia, Hobart has the cleanest energy supply in the country with the majority of energy provided by hydropower.

Partners

Sustainable Living Tasmania

Weather and Climate

Tasmania experiences a milder climate compared to the continental Australian states. Summer (December-February) temperatures average a high of 22°C, falling to an average of 12°C in winter (June-August). Hobart receives more rainfall over a year than other state capitals, with an annual average of 160mm.

Did You Know...?

It is estimated that up to 95% of the world's opals are mined in Australia.

Environmental challenges

Australia is a vast country of differing climates, landscapes and creatures. As such, the threats climate change poses for the nation are extensive. It already has vast arid and semi-arid areas which are under threat from decreased precipitation. Bush fires have always been a major problem in Australia and an increase in fire risk is likely in most sites according to a study by CSIRO. The country is also at risk from the southward spread of malaria as well as a predicted increase in cases of dengue fever.

Climate Change Policy

The Australian Government has taken considerable steps to reduce its environmental impact, including setting a target for 20% renewable energy by 2020 and offering rebates on low carbon heating systems to householders. Tasmania has been a leading state in climate change mitigation activity; a diverse range of community and civil society organisations are active in the area of environmental protection, and the city of Hobart has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% since 2000.

Commonwealth

Australia is a founding member of the Commonwealth and has been active in its evolution. The country has hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) twice previously in 1981 and 2002, and will host its third in 2011 when CHOGM arrives in Perth. Greenhouse hopes to present its findings at this conference. Australia has the 4th highest CO2 emissions of all Commonwealth countries, at 18 tonnes per capita (2006), and the second highest electricity consumption.

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