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 suggests several recommendations for government consideration, including designating a single agency to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to building climate resilience, establishing a disaster review board to improve disaster response, creating a sustainable marine management plan that includes expansions of coral reef protected areas, and developing an online data-sharing platform to integrate climate risk data and make it accessible to government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.

CORVI is a decision support tool designed to help leaders prioritize investment and take action where it is needed most. By doing so, governments can improve the safety and security of coastal cities and small island developing states. The rapid risk assessment aims 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 executed by the Stimson Center in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Blue Charter Programme and the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD).

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 caused 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 at 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 droughts. In the past year, temperatures of the Caribbean Sea have broken records often exceeding 90 degrees. This has resulted in damage affecting 50-93% of corals in some reefs, compromising one attraction for approximately 60,000 people who visit annually.

Unprecedented temperatures also drove an active hurricane season; with 2023 seeing one of its highest numbers of named storms. Although Dominica avoided any direct hits from hurricanes Bret or Phillipe they were close enough calls that preventive school closures were necessary.

Warming oceans also reduce catches of key fish species such as Titiwi fish which are important for food security on this island nation To start addressing effects on marine living resources In November 2023 Government announced creation world-first sperm whale reserve off western coast protect marine resources bolster tourism effort demonstrated commitment protecting incorporating valuation into policymaking decisions Hon Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said "The Sperm Whale Reserve will not only serve as sanctuary majestic creatures represents government's commitment preserving delicate balance marine ecosystems fostering sustainable relationship between nature economy Encompassing crystal-clear waters thriving life protected area testament dedication environmental stewardship" Sally Yozell Senior Fellow Director Environmental Security Program CORVI project lead said "Amid rising tide financial stands precarious juncture reveals serious environmental economic vulnerabilities businesses people At same time provides critical information roadmap actions help address most pressing challenges grateful support local stakeholders provided essential insights identified demanding urgent solutions assessment would not possible without tireless engagement" Heidi Prislan Commonwealth Blue Charter Advise Secretariat said "Rapid provided key recommendations community enable collaborative efforts solve complex impacts diverse Through committed assisting implementation outcomes"

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