Belize City Comes Together to Tackle Climate Challenges

Belize City is no stranger to the impacts of climate change, from rising sea levels to stronger storms, the challenges are real and growing. But today, there’s a powerful push to build a more resilient city, one that can better withstand natural disasters and protect its people. The Belize City Council, NEMO, and the United Nations have teamed up to host a workshop that brings together voices from across the city. Sparking meaningful conversations and drive action toward climate resilience is the aim. News Five stopped by the event and spoke with Mayor Bernard Wagner and National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez to learn more.

 

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“As you know Belize City is a coastal city. We face a lot of disasters and we have seen over the past couple of years it is not only related to hurricanes, flood, but now you have bush fires, extensive flooding, heat waves, so it is important as a city that we bring all of these together, working in collaboration with NEMO, CEMO, the business community and putting together a plan that encompass ensuring we are ready as a city, not only during the course of the disaster, but after the disaster has passed.”

 

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator

“This is the collaboration that NEMO is having with different communities, particularly in Belize. Belize City is our largest urban areas, but it is also susceptible to many hazards. So, it is important for us to focus our work. So this initiative really is looking at how we can support through our partnership how we can create a resilient community in our city.”