Overview

Led by the current Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability (previously Sustainability, Climate Resiliency & Wellness), and in consultation with various public and private sector stakeholders, the Cayman Islands Government has approved the national Climate Change Policy (2024-2050). 

This policy outlines a 26-year plan and addresses identified climate risks in a proactive and impactful way (adaptation), while reducing the country’s contributions to greenhouse gases (mitigation).

The Government recognises that urgent action is needed to lessen or avoid the high costs and serious hardships resulting from current climate risks, which could be significantly exacerbated if the country is not sufficiently prepared.

Policy is a strategic pathway for a more climate-resilient future for the benefit of us all, and the key to its success is in the collaboration of everyone – government ministries, non-government organisations, the private sector and the people of the Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Islands Government approved the Policy on Wednesday, 25 September 2024. 

About Climate Change

The earth's climate is changing due to a buildup of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in our atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

While natural processes, such as changes in the sun's energy, also affect the earth's climate, they do not explain the level of warming observed over the last century, which is nearly 1.2°C on average above pre-industrial levels.

The 2015 Paris Agreement formally recognises and legally binds countries that have signed up to the agreement to do their part to limit the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C, and make every effort to keep it at 1.5°C. Holding global warming to this lower long-term temperature goal is vital to the survival of small, low-lying island economies, peoples and environments.

Watch the Ministry's video below about climate change. 

About the Policy

In 2011, the Cayman Islands Government delivered a draft Climate Change Policy. This policy underwent three years of stakeholder consultation, and was informed by two important analyses: 

·       Climate Change Issues for the Cayman Islands: Towards a Climate Change Policy (2011)

·       Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment of the Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise Impacts on The Cayman Islands’ Tourism Sector (2011)

Although the policy remained in draft form, some of its recommendations were achieved. This includes the adoption of the National Energy Policy, which set a long-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, and the passage of the National Conservation Act (2013), which formally recognised the Cayman Islands’ international climate treaty obligations.

Many of the issues that were identified in the draft policy have remained relevant for the three Islands over the years.

The approved Cayman Islands Climate Change Policy 2024-2050 is largely guided by the Climate Change Risk Assessment which was conducted in 2022. Funded through the Governor’s Office by the United Kingdom’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, and following extensive desktop research, technical stakeholder consultation and public engagement, the resulting Cayman Islands Climate Change Evidence Report (2022) is now the most comprehensive reference document to date on the potential implications of climate change on the Cayman Island’s environment, society and economy.

The use of the Climate Change Risk Assessment as a guiding document ensures that the policy is grounded in the most current climate science available that is specific to our islands and our region.

Climate Change Risk Assessment

The Climate Change Risk Assessment analysed the climatic changes that are responsible for impacts on the environment, society, and the economy.

The likelihood that a particular impact will occur, combined with its severity and stakeholders’ confidence in the available data, was used to determine what risks the Cayman Islands is facing, and what those risk levels are (i.e., low, moderate, severe).

Local and regional data reveal that climatic changes are now underway, and will continue into the future. Some examples include:  

  • fewer but more severe rainfall events; 
  • increased frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones; and, 
  • increased in air and sea temperatures.

Of the 50 risks analysed in the risk assessment, 18 were found to be ‘severe’. Some examples of severe risks include the following:

  • disruption to fuel imports and power generation
  • damage and inundation of the sewerage system
  • loss of coastal protection function associated with removal of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, and beaches
  • decline in these natural assets that underpin the tourism sector

The updated Climate Change Policy is an essential plan to protecting people, the environment, and the economy. 

Scroll to the Publications section to download the summary or full evidence report. 

Policy Vision

The vision of the Climate Change Policy is:

A climate-resilient Cayman Islands that promotes and sustains vibrant communities, a thriving natural environment and a robust economy, where people can live their best lives now and for future generations.

 There are 6 key focus areas, each with a specific aim to help achieve the vision:

  • Robust Economy | Diversifying economic sectors and providing access to financial and technical resources to foster sustainable livelihoods
  • Liveable Built Environment | Planning holistically and building climate-resilient structures and sites to safeguard citizens, businesses and cultural heritage
  • Healthy and Resilient Communities | Improving the health and safety outcomes of communities
  • Resilient Infrastructure Networks | Enhancing the capacity and functionality of critical infrastructure and its networks to withstand extreme weather events
  • Harmony with Nature | Safeguarding the integrity of nature and its ecosystem services to support a robust economy and healthy communities
  • Integration and Coordination | Developing government processes and capacity to take urgent climate action

What You Can Do

Make Your Home & Property Resilient

Climate change is affecting all of us, but there are proactive steps that you can take to protect your home and your family. Whether you're concerned about the impacts of extreme weather, or the rising cost of energy, My Resilient Home & Property Guide is here to help.

This guide is packed with advice on:

  • Preparing your home and property for extreme weather events and changing conditions;
  • Making the indoor home environment healthier and energy-efficient; and,
  • Other preparedness tips and resources to help you future-proof your living space. 

By downloading this guide, you'll learn practical tips to help you increase your home’s resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Ready to get started? 

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