November 5, 2024
The Caribbean’s small island developing states (SIDS) rank among the most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. With constant threats from more frequent and intense hurricanes, prolonged dry seasons, shortened wet seasons, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and dangerously high temperatures, climate change poses a major challenge to the region, with the potential to wipe out as much as 3.6% of its GDP. In fact, the United Nations has dubbed the Caribbean “ground zero” in the global climate crisis, while experts warn that some Caribbean islands could eventually become uninhabitable if coordinated efforts across all levels of society are not taken.
Through the Special Development Fund (SDF), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has been at the forefront of fostering sustainable development and climate resilience across the Caribbean. By helping countries in the Region improve their infrastructure, early warning systems, and sustainable agriculture practices, the CDB is protecting lives and livelihoods and reducing the economic impact of climate change. We believe that acting on climate change today is crucial to preventing irreversible damage to our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for all generations.
Here are some of the ways the SDF has been active in the fight against climate change:
● Emergency Response and Recovery/Reconstruction Efforts – The SDF has supported member countries with $14.6 million in financing for recovery and reconstruction following the catastrophic 2017 hurricane season. This season was notably marked by the multi-state devastation caused by two Category Five Hurricanes, Irma and Maria. These countries included the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia.
● Reduced Vulnerability – The SDF has funded various projects to enhance infrastructure and community resilience against climate change impacts, including:
- Infrastructure Improvements: constructing seawalls, bolstering coastal defenses, and upgrading water management systems to endure extreme weather.
- Early Warning Systems: implementing systems for floods, droughts, and hurricanes to enable timely community preparation and evacuation.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: promoting drought-resistant crops, efficient water management, and soil conservation to ensure food security amid changing weather patterns.
- Renewable Energy: investing in solar and wind power to reduce fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Livelihood Diversification: assisting communities in developing alternative income sources less dependent on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and tourism.
● Capacity Building – The SDF also invests in strengthening climate resilience across multiple levels by supporting local governments and communities to better adapt to climate change through:
- Training and Education: The SDF has offered numerous training programmes for government officials, community leaders, and farmers on climate change adaptation strategies.
- Institutional Strengthening: The Bank has supported organisations responsible for disaster preparedness, risk management, and environmental protection.
- Community Engagement: the CDB has also promoted community involvement in project planning and implementation to ensure ownership and sustainability.