The Stimson Center, a research organization based in Washington, D.C., has released the results of its Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Initiative (CORVI) assessment for Aruba. The assessment was conducted in partnership with the National Climate Resilience Council and other CORVI partners.
The report outlines how climate change is expected to significantly affect Aruba under current greenhouse gas emission trends. The main risks identified include rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, as well as coastal erosion. These changes are projected to impact key sectors such as housing, healthcare, tourism, financial services, utilities, and critical infrastructure.
The CORVI analysis used both quantitative and qualitative data to identify three priority clusters of risk for Aruba. These interconnected risks demonstrate that the health of Aruba’s people, environment, and tourism-based economy are closely linked. The findings point to urgent challenges like biodiversity loss, rapid urbanization, infrastructure pressure, and the effects of unregulated tourism growth—all contributing to greater vulnerability.
Dr. Ryan R. Peterson, chairman of Aruba’s National Climate Resilience Council, commented on the findings: “These findings are a reminder of the multiple vulnerabilities we face, from the direct risks to our coastal communities to the cascading effects on our economy and the most vulnerable in our community,” said Peterson. “It confirms what many of us already know: the degradation of our precious coral reefs, the increasing intensity of extreme heat, and the delicate balance of an ecosystem that sustains our way of life. The report’s conclusions are a stern reminder that our prosperity is not separate from the health of our society and environment; they are inextricably linked.”
CORVI aims to help policymakers understand specific climate-related risks by analyzing 94 environmental, social, and economic indicators. The report highlights opportunities for resilience through ecosystem restoration projects and climate-resilient development strategies.
Mr. Geoffrey Wever, Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector for Aruba stated: “This report confirms that climate change is not a distant threat. It is an immediate and escalating financial and economic risk. The rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme heat events detailed in this assessment are direct threats to our national infrastructure, our financial stability, and the very natural assets upon which our prosperity is built. Therefore strengthening our climate resilience is an economic imperative. It is the foundation of our future financial stability and our capacity for sustainable and inclusive development.”
This assessment marks Stimson Center’s sixteenth CORVI study in at-risk coastal areas across the Caribbean Basin including locations such as Basseterre (St Kitts), Dominica; Barbados; Kingston (Jamaica); Castries (Saint Lucia); Belize City (Belize). Previous studies have shown unique local risks but also common threats requiring integrated planning efforts.
Carolyn Gruber from Stimson Center’s Environmental Security Program added: “Combining local insights with rigorous analysis ,the CORVI results can support Aruba’s efforts to meet shifting realities of climate change,” said Gruber.“With CORVI,the National Climate Resilience Council,key private sector partners,and Government gain data-driven place-based recommendations to guide implementation their forthcoming National Climate Adaptation Plan.”
Further information about CORVI can be found at www.stimson.org/project/corvi
