On 3 October 2024, the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) will host the symposium “Hurricanes in the Caribbean: Climate Resilience and Vulnerable Populations.” The event, which will be held in a hybrid format, is a joint initiative of the University of the West Indies and the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI).
Access to the symposium is open and free; it is an exceptional opportunity for experts and professionals from various disciplines to exchange knowledge, experiences, and strategies aimed at strengthening the resilience of Caribbean nations against hurricanes and other extreme weather events. With a focus on protecting the most vulnerable populations and promoting sustainable development in the region, the event will address key topics such as disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
The Caribbean, a region known for both its natural beauty and its exposure to adverse weather conditions, has faced numerous disasters with severe economic and social consequences. Symposium speakers will analyse the impacts of past events, such as Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria in Dominica, and Hurricane Ivan in Grenada and the Cayman Islands, where economic losses exceeded 200% of the national GDP. Speakers include David Smith, from the Institute for Sustainable Development (The University of West Indies), and member of the IAI’s Science-Policy Advisory Committee; Evan Thompson, Vice President of Regional Association IV (World Meteorological Organization), Gabrielle Gayle (Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council), Jovana Hoschtialek (195in365 Inc, Grenada), Delroy McLean (C&W Business/Flow) and Elizabeth Emanuel (Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, Cayman Islands).
The symposium is expected to create a space for dialogue on critical questions, such as: How have Caribbean countries managed recovery periods after disasters? What have been the best practices in hurricane preparedness and response? What lessons can be applied to improve the resilience of other vulnerable small island states? Additionally, participants will learn about innovations in key sectors such as construction, agriculture, tourism, technology, insurance, and governance that may be used effectively in the efforts to confront climate-related challenges.
This event highlights the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange as fundamental elements to ensure the safety and well-being of Caribbean communities while promoting sustainable and resilient development in the region.
