Climate impacts on agriculture and tourism: the case for climate resilient investment in the Caribbean

This policy brief discusses climate impacts on the agricultural and tourism sectors in the Caribbean and the need for investment to build climate resilience. Climate impacts are already reversing economic growth, exacerbating poverty and undermining the future prosperity of Caribbean countries. Locally appropriate climate change projections can give fresh insight into the vulnerability of key sectors. In the agriculture sector, investment is needed to account for projected changes in rainfall and growing seasons, and occurrence of extreme events, especially drought. Investment is also needed to adapt infrastructure to rising seas and extreme events. A multi-stakeholder approach needs to be taken to address vulnerable sectors and ecosystem degradation. There are many potential adaptation measures that can be applied by governments, businesses, individuals and development partners. However, financial support is needed to support adaptation action as high up-front costs are a barrier to local adaptation efforts. Effectively prioritising adaptation options can maximise their value and lead to positive co-benefits for individuals, businesses and society.

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