Ronald Jackson

Each year, when hurricane season begins in the Atlantic, governments across the Caribbean activate emergency plans, test communication systems, preposition relief supplies, and mobilize communities. These measures reflect decades of hard-won experience managing hurricanes, some of the most destructive in the world.

Beyond Loss and Damage The establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage is an important milestone for climate justice and international cooperation. For vulnerable countries, including those across the Caribbean, it represents long-overdue recognition that some climate impacts cannot be avoided and that countries on the frontline should not bear the burden alone.

1 INTRODUCTION Arterial stiffness is considered an important indicator of arterial wall health (Laurent et al., 2006). The stiffness of the arterial wall is influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in the composition of the arterial wall matrix (Avolio et al., 1998; Katsuda & Kaji, 2003) and properties of the vascular smooth muscle (Folkow, 1983; Heagerty et al., 1993; Rizzoni et al., 1996).