Using climate risk and vulnerability assessments to prioritise Caribbean road investments

Abstract

Climate risk and vulnerability assessments were undertaken in the Caribbean for national ministries, with funding from the Caribbean Development Bank. The studies evaluated the impacts of climate-related natural hazards on road transport infrastructure and identified measures to strengthen resilience. Geographic information systems were used to map infrastructure assets and structural condition, and climate-related variables were then integrated to model current and future hazard scenarios. The data sets were analysed to identify hotspot areas of the road network where adaptation interventions were proposed and to prioritise climate-resilient investments. The assessment findings helped decision makers understand system resilience, adaptive capacity and how critical risk hotspot areas could be mitigated. Improved road infrastructure design and a more proactive approach to road and structure maintenance will help increase the resilience of the road networks by reducing vulnerability to hazards and minimising the impact of climate change.