Education
REDD+ spearheads training for journalists on climate change and its effects
The training/workshop on the 14th and 15th of May was organized by REDD+, which stands for Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, (+) conservation, sustainable management of forests carbon, and stock enhancement. Other partners involved in the event included the National Climate Change Office (NCCO) and the Forest Department. The training raised awareness of Belize's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of deforestation and forest degradation.
Weather
Heatwave to continue; stay inside and hydrated
The current days in Belize are hazy and warmer than usual due to a heatwave. According to reports from the National Meteorological Service of Belize, the hot weather conditions are expected to continue until the end of May. The general public is advised to limit their exposure during the hottest time of the day-10AM to 2PM and always keep hydrated with water rather than caffeinated drinks or alcohol.
Government
National Hydrological Service Signs MOU for Water Research Cooperation
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining through the National Hydrological Service (Hydrology Unit) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), through its MacPhail School of Energy Integrated Water Management program in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In signing the MOU, the parties agreed to the potential benefits in cooperating on research on Belize’s water resources, sector and management.
Weather
Record-breaking 2020 Hurricane Season comes to an end
With 30 named storms, the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season was a record one. Belize was spared from major hurricanes, but still was affected by heavy rainfall and flooding as its neighbors were devastated by two major storms within two weeks.
Community and Society
IDB, World Bank and CABEI expand support for Central America in wake of second hurricane
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) president Mauricio Claver-Carone convened a virtual meeting last Friday, November 20th with leaders and ministers of Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, along with World Bank Group president David Malpass and Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) president Dante Mossi, to update the action plan for helping these countries to deal with the impacts of hurricanes Eta and Iota.
Weather
Remnants of Hurricane Iota continues to dump rain in Belize; thousands affected in other parts of Central America
Current weather conditions caused by hurricane Iota are expected to continue at least until Saturday, and a flood warning continues in effect for the Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo Districts.
Weather
Heavy rainfall expected in Belize as Category 5 Hurricane Iota hits Central America
Iota is the first Category 5 Hurricane of a record-breaking 2020 season, and it is following Hurricane Etas path in Nicaragua and Honduras.
Weather
Newly formed Tropical Storm Iota expected follow Hurricane Eta’s path
Iota is the 30th named storm of the 2020 Hurricane season. The risk of dangerous winds, storm surge, and rainfall impacts in Central America are expected to start Sunday night or by Monday, November 16th.