Linking vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation in small island developing states : climate change and the community of Grande Riviere, Trinidad

Abstract

Double inequity prevails in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where countries that least benefited from greenhouse gas (GHG) unfairly experience the bulk of the effects from climate change, as opposed to those that benefited fully from GHG (developed countries). Simulations utilizing a Vulnerability Index factor led to a series of adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change at governmental, community and household levels. Results underscore the need for communities of small island states such as Grande Riviere to adopt appropriate measures to deal with climate change impacts, such as induced sea level rise, collectively and effectively.