PROFESSOR ANTHONY Chen, a scientist considered one of Jamaica and the Caribbean’s brightest minds, was recently recognised by the group he founded 30 years ago and which has taken climate research in the Caribbean to new heights – the Climate Studies Group Mona (CSGM).

According to Professor Michael Taylor, co-director for the CSGM, there was no better time than the present to take their hats off to the professor, now retired.

“It was very important to honour him [as part of the celebrations to mark CSGM’s 30 years in existence]. We needed him to know what the legacy of what he had done was,” said Taylor, who was mentored by Chen.

“He was [also] the one who invited me to join the CSGM,” added Taylor, himself now a celebrated climate scientist and dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Chen, he told The Gleaner, deserves the credit for his foresight in making the CSGM a reality.

 “He saw what climate was going to do when no one was talking about it, I suppose because he was an atmospheric physicist … But to have been able to see, anticipate and set up a group to study, this reflects a visionary,” Taylor said.

Three decades on, the CSGM – including researchers from a wide range of disciplines – has become an enduring port of call for anyone on the quest for insights into climate change and the Caribbean.

In 30 years, the group has advanced regional climate science, built scientific capacity, and created a culture of collaboration that extends beyond Caribbean borders.

They are also applauded for delivering data that is useful for decision-makers, with more than 200 peer-reviewed publications done and four State of the Climate reports published.

They have, too, attracted some US$20 million in grants to support initiatives that have cemented Caribbean and small island developing states’ representation in climate research while informing readiness for and recovery after climate impacts are felt.

The group has also supported more than 30 graduate students and had three Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) authors.

Prof Chen, Taylor said, paved the way for those gains.

“He is a brilliant scientist … a brilliant mentor as well. And then there is his personality … He is very humble and very caring – and very passionate about climate and its impact on Jamaica. He also moved on to look at renewables and is keen about its application. We are hoping that he is proud of the legacy that he laid down,” the physicist said.

Chen, for his part, has accepted the recognition with his signature humility, giving credit to those who have served the group over the years.

“I am very happy with the way it has progressed,” he told The Gleaner.

“I turned it over to Taylor and he has done a wonderful job, Chen, a Nobel Peace Prize winner for his work with the IPCC, added.

Photo caption: Professor Anthony Chen

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