P-68 Exploring links between local adaptive capacity to climate change and public health. The case of Dominica - A qualitative study
Author(s):
P Cloos , S Cooper , N McPherson, T Ravaliere
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: Caribbean Small Island Developing States
(SIDS) are viewed as highly vulnerable to climate change
(CC), including climate extremes like hurricanes. However,
there is little knowledge in Caribbean SIDS about the links
between CC, vulnerability including local adaptive capacity, and health, despite their importance for developing
adaptation strategies. Our study aims more specifically to
discuss the relevance of the concept of local adaptive capacity to CC for public health purpose.
Methods: Our study is based on qualitative data collected in the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Guadeloupe. Semistructured interviews were organized between March 2020 and January 2021. Participants were individuals who were either displaced within Dominica after Tropical Storm Erika (2015) and/or Hurricane Maria (2017) or migrated to Guadeloupe in 2017. The interview guide explored experiences of displacement, health, access to care, adaptive capacity, and adaptation measures. A mixed-method thematic analysis, combining deductive and inductive approaches, identified characteristics of local adaptive capacity, defined as “the capability of households to cope with the effects of climate extremes”.
Results: Participants shared various observations on climate and environmental changes. Different types of mobility (internal displacement or migration), according to different temporalities, represent ways to respond to climate extremes. Participants raised issues of mental health that can be linked to uncertainties and insecurities, noting the limited psychosocial support provided. Our data suggest that social ties and support, dwelling conditions and resources availability and access shape mobility, and health. Agriculture’s vulnerability raised concerns for long-term economic implications, income and food security. There are unclear and limited risk reduction initiatives in communities.
Conclusion: Our study highlights some characteristics of local adaptive capacity that could orient both the future assessment and the planning of adaptation measures to CC at the national level with the participation of public health institutions and community representatives.