The Faculty of Engineering

West Indian Journal of Engineering

Volume 44 Number 2 Jan 2022

Climate Change Adaptation Planning in Selected Caribbean Countries: Is Enough Being Done?

by Christian Casey-Lee Virgil, Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon and Kit Fai Pun

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Abstract: The climate is changing, and sustainable adaptation measures are required to meet the resulting challenges. Several effects linked to climate change can be highly disruptive, such as rising sea levels and coastal reef destruction. The severity of the impact and capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change is unevenly distributed at various spatial levels. The Caribbean is more vulnerable to climate change than other regions. There is a need to plan strategically in managing the multiple consequences of climate change. This study evaluates the synergies between adaptation plans and policies and guidelines in climate change adaptation. It attempts to audit the national adaptation planning documents in climate change developed by government agencies to cope with the challenges of climate change among respective countries. The study explores the factors underlying observed discrepancies and performance shortcomings and utilises information from a review of research literature to contextualise critical findings in adaptation measures and research. Synthesising the determinants and barriers would aid with closing performance gaps. The study concludes by providing evidence-based recommendations that shed light on the design and planning for sustainable adaptation measures in developing nations of the Caribbean.

Keywords: Climate, adaptation, Caribbean

https://doi.org/10.47412/INAL2196