Climate risk profile: Haiti
This profile provides an overview of climate risk issues in Haiti, including how climate change will potentially impact agriculture, economic growth, education, governance, and health. The brief includes an overview and climate summary of Haiti, as well as projected climate changes. Also included is information on the policy context and information regarding ongoing climate change projects in Haiti.
This profile provides an overview of climate risk issues in Haiti, including how climate change will potentially impact agriculture, economic growth, education, governance, and health. The brief includes an overview and climate summary of Haiti, as well as projected climate changes. Also included is information on the policy context and information regarding ongoing climate change projects in Haiti.
Haiti is extremely prone to extreme weather events, including hurricanes and droughts. Haiti’s geographic position in the hurricane belt as well as its topography, land use practices, low per capita income, high population density, and limited infrastructure and services contribute to its climate vulnerability. Climate change increases the frequency, intensity, and impacts of extreme weather events (e.g., disease outbreaks), poses new threats from rising seas, and exacerbates existing development challenges (e.g., food and water insecurity).
Although Haiti is the most vulnerable country in Latin America and the Caribbean to climate change, modest investments and improved policy (such as superior building standards and better land-use planning) offer the potential to substantially reduce the human and financial impact of strengthening tropical storms and unpredictable rainfall patterns.