ABSTRACT
Weaving through the compounded and often daunting complexities of climate change quickly leaves many policymakers and development strategists feeling defeated. One aspect of the current weather extremes and shifting climatologies that is clear, however, is the existence of specific vulnerabilities faced by small island developing states (SIDS). The United Nations lists 16 Caribbean member countries out of the 38 defined as SIDS. This chapter will examine the challenges faced by many Caribbean SIDS as they attempt to secure their futures against climate change. Acting as a review of research carried out over the past 20 years, these findings will comprehensively address the current and future vulnerabilities of Caribbean economies to climatological extremes and shifting modalities. Beginning with the awakening of climate research in the region, this work will carefully navigate through the historical impact of changing weather patterns on the region, culminating in today’s worsening prospects. It will demonstrate how governments and international financiers are vying to increase resilience in a region that is already grappling with economic reform and energy transformations. Who pays? Will tourism survive the coming storms? Can an energy revolution secure the region’s future on the world stage? This chapter will shed light on these pertinent questions, drawing on leading research to give an equal sense of hope and warning.
