Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change 2026–2031

Climate change is reshaping health risks across the Caribbean. Increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes, heatwaves, sea-level rise, and changing patterns of climate-sensitive diseases threaten lives and livelihoods, disrupt essential services and place growing pressure on health systems. These impacts are especially significant for Small Island Developing States, where geographical, environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities can magnify health consequences and undermine hard-won development gains. Important progress has been made across the Caribbean since the first regional Action Plan was adopted in 2019. 

Countries have strengthened leadership on climate change and health, advanced Health National Adaptation Plans, expanded climate-informed surveillance and early warning capacities, improved the safety and environmental sustainability of health facilities, and invested in workforce development. These achievements demonstrate what coordinated regional action can accomplish. However, despite the achievements, persistent gaps in financing, institutional capacity, community engagement, and access to strategic information necessitate continued action. 

The Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change 2026–2031 provides a shared framework for the next phase. It supports country-led action through four strategic lines: Governance and Leadership; Climate-Resilient Health Systems (Adaptation); Low-Carbon Health Systems (Mitigation); and Resources and Climate Finance. Refined indicators strengthen accountability and help countries monitor results while retaining the flexibility to reflect national contexts and priorities. 

Successful implementation will depend on sustained political commitment, multisectoral collaboration, and strong regional partnerships. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and The University of the West Indies (UWI) bring complementary political, technical, and academic expertise. Civil society, communities, youth, governmental and nongovernmental partners, the media and other stakeholders are also vital to inclusive and effective action. 

By connecting evidence, policy, practice, and investment, the Action Plan offers Caribbean countries and territories a practical pathway to protect health, maintain essential services, and build more resilient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable health systems. It is both a regional commitment and an invitation to act – so that every community is better prepared for the health challenges of a changing climate.