The essential role of climate information systems for early action interventions and resilience-focused decision-making
As Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to face climate-related challenges, climate information such as scientific weather and climate data and/or local knowledge is essential for resilience-building and adaptation. However, there remains a limited focus on reducing persistent barriers and supporting those conditions which increase the effective use of locally relevant climate information, especially in SIDS and low-income countries.
This paper encourages a discussion on the barriers and influencing factors of climate information use, as well as the enabling conditions towards securing a resilient future for SIDS. It outlines the nature of climate information and its relevance for early warning systems and early action, and summarises key challenges and enablers for use and uptake, as offered by 26 Caribbean-focused experts. The paper concludes with evidence-supported suggestions and recommendations to support essential climate information development and use.
This is one of 12 papers commissioned for the 2024 SIDS Future Forum, co-hosted by the Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI) and Island Innovation, alongside partners UN-OHRLLS, UNDESA, UKAid and AOSIS.