Climat change in the in the Caribbean: understanding the risks to better reduce their impacts

The Caribbean is one of the regions most exposed to the effects of climate change. Between intensifying hurricanes, rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, and increasing pressure on essential resources, the impacts are already visible.

305 km/h

Wind speeds recorded during Hurricane Melissa (2025), among the most powerful in the Atlantic.

– 48 %

Decline in hard corals in the Caribbean between 1980 and 2024, mainly linked to ocean warming.

+ 25 cm

Sea level rise in the Caribbean over the past 120 years.

– 1 %

The Caribbean’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions, despite facing disproportionately high impacts on its territories.

What is climat change ?

It is a long-term disruption of temperatures and average weather patterns on Earth. Although natural climate variations have always existed, current climate change is largely caused by human activities – particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.

WARNING: Do not confuse climate and weather, even though both refer to atmospheric conditions.

Weather = short-term atmospheric conditions

Climate = long-term weather patterns and trends (around 30 years or more)

How does climate change manifest itself in the Caribbean ?

Rising temperatures.
More frequent drought episodes.
Sea level rise, ocean acidification and warming, degradation of coral reefs, beach erosion, soil salinization, and the long-term disappearance of certain territories.
Increased intensity of extreme events such as droughts, heatwaves, and hurricanes (e.g. Melissa in 2025, Beryl in 2024, and Maria in 2017).

Climate change acts as a risk multiplier, meaning it makes existing problems stronger, more frequent, or more severe. It also acts as an amplifier on the environment by weakening ecosystems and accelerating their degradation.

What are the impacts on ecosystems, resources, and health ?

Disruption of ecosystems and biodiversity loss

Reduced food resources and increased vulnerability of human activities such as fishing and agriculture (e.g. loss of income).

Disappearance of coral reefs and decline in marine resources

Lower fishing yields, domino effects on tourism, and disruption of important sources of food and income.

Decrease in water resources and lower agricultural yields

Pressure on water supply, rising food prices, and increased dependence on imports.

Increase in heat-related diseases

Heat stress, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and the spread of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.

Limiting the impacts of climate change

And you, as a citizen, how can you take action ?

Stay informed and raise awareness : Understand the challenges of climate change, share good practices with those around you, etc.
Adopt responsible daily habits : Save water and electricity, sort and reduce waste, avoid food waste, etc.
Protect the environment : Do not litter, take part in clean-up actions (beaches, neighbourhoods), and help preserve natural spaces and biodiversity.

Acting daily and collectively

Get involved in local initiatives : Take part in local projects (reforestation, awareness campaigns), or join an environmental association, etc.
Engage in civic life : Learn about local adaptation plans, think collectively about urban planning, transport, energy and waste management, and take part in public consultations or municipal meetings, etc.

A local adaptation plan is a strategic document developed by a city or region to prepare for and live with the impacts of climate change. The goal is to anticipate and better manage issues such as heatwaves, droughts, floods or sea-level rise, in order to reduce potential damage.

Coming soon: “Nature-based solutions: a key tool for disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean”