Situated in the Caribbean, Curaçao is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea-level rise and an increase in extreme weather. KlimaKòrsou has been designed to gain a better insight into these effects. Funded by the IPDC, the KlimaKòrsou portal gathers key information about the effects of climate change in Curaçao, showing current and the projected climate effects for the island.

KlimaKòrsou is a climate impact atlas that centralises existing and available knowledge, ensuring that governments and decision-makers, and communities and residents gain perspective and understanding of the effects of climate change specific to their region. This allows decision-makers to make informed, evidence-based decision. Available in three languages, it allows both governments and inhabitants to better prepare for the effects of climate change.

Accessible data

KlimaKòrsou provides a range of data, including maps, climate statistics, and climate impacts. The portal is free to access and easy to navigate, and focuses on a range of areas including land surface temperature, river discharges, coral reef health, and future coastlines. Data can also be easily and freely downloaded for stakeholders to use in their own Geographic Information System (GIS) environments.

The maps include identifiable risks, projections, and clear explanations on what can be seen. In this way, they are accessible to a range of users and do not require scientific backgrounds to view and understand.

An easily accessible dashboard

Stories

KlimaKòrsou features six stories by Curaçaoan writer Tyson Hill. The stories focus on a range of topics, including sea level rise, extreme heat, drought, sea temperatures rising, and extreme weather. The stories are written in an accessible format and told from the perspective of Curaçao’s inhabitants. Although the characters in stories are fictional , the content is based on scientific evidence.

In sharing these stories, the KlimaKòrsou clearly brings the effects of climate change on local communities into perspective. By telling them in an fun and engaging way, they are accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age or levels of education. The stories are available in English, Dutch, and Papiamento, further extending their reach.

Artwork accompanying one of the stories

The role of the IPDC

KlimaKòrsou was developed jointly with the Curaçao Climate Change Platform (CCCP) by the Climate Adaptation Services Foundation (CAS), with funding from the International Panel on Deltas, Coasts, and Islands (IPDC).

As the platform provides clear and actionable data, including a range of adaptation measures, Curaçao, as a member of the IPDC, can gain further insight into different options. A similar climate atlas has already been launched in the Netherlands.

A Climate Impact Atlas for Aruba and Sint Maarten is currently under development and is expected to be launched in 2025. In the meantime, the Climate Impact Atlas for the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba) is already available.

“Now that KlimaKorsou is online, the next step is to discuss what that means and which actions to take. To that end, CCCP is working on a National Adaptation Strategy in 2025 with the support from IPDC.”

– Timo Kelder IPDC Curaçao country coordinator

A more sustainable and resilient Curaçao

The IPDC and CAS worked closely with the CCCP for the creation of the platform, ensuring a robust and tailor-made product that can quickly be used by stakeholders across the island.

Albert Martis, Chair Curaçao Climate Change Platform: “KlimaKòrsou is an important step to a more sustainable and resilient Curaçao. The available data and inspirational stories about the consequences of climate change form the basis for well-considered decisions and concrete actions.”

The launch of the KlimaKòrsou

Get in touch

Discover more on the KlimaKòrsou on their website. Or drop a line to Timo Kelder IPDC Curaçao country coordinator.