Washington, D.C. – According to a new CORVI climate rapid risk assessment produced by the Stimson Center, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica is increasingly vulnerable to severe weather events, flooding, and extreme heat. The report noted these adverse weather events negatively impact the island’s economy and the health and safety of its citizens. While financial and other constraints have posed difficulties in addressing these challenges, ongoing efforts to enhance climate resilience remain a priority.
Among its key findings, the CORVI report suggest several recommendations for government to consider, including: designate a single agency to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to building climate resilience, establish a disaster review board to improve disaster response, create a sustainable marine management plan that includes expansions of coral reef protected areas, and develop an online data-sharing platform to integrate climate risk data and make it accessible to government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.
Read the full report: https://www.stimson.org/2024/corvi-assessing-priority-climate-risks-in-dominica/
CORVI is a decision support tool to help leaders to prioritize investment and take action where it’s needed most. By doing so, governments improve the safety and security of coastal cities and small island developing states. The rapid risk assessment is designed to identify priority climate risks that require more attention and pressing action. Since 2018, CORVI assessments have been deployed across five continents to help coastal cities and island states understand and prioritize actions to address their climate risk. The project in Dominica is funded by the government of Canada, through the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), and is executed by the Stimson Center, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Blue Charter Programme and the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD). More about CORVI.
Dominica has suffered severe economic damage from several extreme weather events in the last decade – among them, Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 resulted in damages equal to 90% of the island’s GDP, while Hurricane Maria in 2017 destroyed 95% of the country’s housing stock and wreaked damage equal to 226% of the island’s GDP. The aftermath of Hurricane Maria spurred efforts to strengthen climate adaptation in Dominica, with the establishment of CREAD in 2018 – a move led by Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit following his declaration to the UN that Dominica would become the “world’s first climate-resilient nation.”
Dominica also faces a high risk of increased temperatures and more frequent drought. In the past year, temperatures of the Caribbean Sea have broken records and often exceed 90 degrees. This has resulted in damage of 50-93% of corals in some reefs, compromising one of the attractions for the 60,000 people that visit the island annually.
Unprecedented temperatures also drove an active hurricane season, with 2023 seeing the fourth-highest number of named storms. Although Dominica avoided any direct hits, Bret and Phillipe were close calls and forced preventive school closures.
Warming oceans also reduce the catch of key fish species, including the Titiwi fish, which is important to the country’s food security. To start to address the effects on marine living resources, in November 2023, the government of Dominica announced the creation of the world’s first sperm whale reserve off the island’s western coast to protect the island’s marine resources and bolster tourism. This effort has demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting marine resources and incorporating its valuation into policymaking decisions.
Hon. Prime Minister of Dominca Roosevelt Skerrit, said, “The Sperm Whale Reserve will not only serve as a sanctuary for these majestic creatures; it represents the government of Dominica’s commitment to preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and fostering a sustainable relationship between nature and the economy. Encompassing crystal-clear waters and thriving marine life, this protected area is a testament to Dominica’s dedication to environmental stewardship.”
Sally Yozell, Senior Fellow, and Director of the Environmental Security Program and CORVI project lead, said, “Amid the rising tide of climate and financial risk, Dominica stands at a precarious juncture. The CORVI rapid assessment reveals serious environmental and economic vulnerabilities for the businesses and people of Domenica. At the same time, the CORVI assessment provides Dominica with critical information and a roadmap for actions that can help to address its most pressing challenges. I am so grateful for the support from the government of Dominica and local stakeholders who provided essential insights and identified the local climate issues demanding urgent solutions. This assessment would not have been possible without their tireless engagement.”
Heidi Prislan, Commonwealth Blue Charter Advise at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said “The Rapid CORVI Assessment has provided key recommendations for government and key community stakeholders to enable collaborative efforts to solve some of the most complex environmental and climate impacts on their diverse coral reefs. Through the Commonwealth Blue Charter, we are committed to assisting in the implementation of these recommendations and assessment outcomes.”
The Stimson Center promotes international security and shared prosperity through applied research and independent analysis, global engagement, and policy innovation.
For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Center pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.
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