Publication Details

Title: Synthesis of Climate Change Related Knowledge and Information in the United States Virgin Islands: An Institutional Analysis

Author(s): Jacobs, Kasey R.; Fain, Stephen J.; Henry, S; Archibald, W; Gould, William A.[External Site: Opens in New Window]

Year: 2016

Source: Report Presented to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Abstract: Agencies and organizations are developing research and applying knowledge at many levels in order to help society reduce risk related to climate change through adaptation and mitigation. Climate change, climate uncertainty, extreme weather events and sea level rise have effects that ripple through many sectors of society. The responses of one sector affect the vulnerability and risks associated with other sectors. One way to maximize the effectiveness of climate adaptation and mitigation actions is to develop a comprehensive understanding of vulnerabilities and capacities across many sectors. With that understanding, organizations can support and foster actions that 1) are supportive and complementary to other organizations’ actions, 2) open cross-sector bottlenecks in information flow, 3) fill knowledge gaps, and 4) have positive synergistic effects. To that end we examined the local and federal institutional programs in the United States Virgin Islands that have ongoing or completed projects related to risk reduction, climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation. In order to accomplish this goal, the team compiled a list of the territorial agencies defined in Executive Order No. 474-2015 Preparing the Virgin Islands of the United States for Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change,1 and all relevant federal agencies and academic institutions organized by the sectors laid out in the Executive Order. We then used a set of team-designed questions to research each entity’s programs and outputs. The research was conducted through informal, unstructured interviews in St. Thomas or on the phone from locations in St. Thomas and St. Croix, in the USVI, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Other information was compiled through desktop investigation and pre-existing knowledge of the team collaborators. Through this institutional analysis we also compile data and information for the current state of the knowledge on current and future vulnerability to climate change, climate variability and sea level rise, and to the adaptive capacity of sectors and agencies. We report on available resources, priorities, and plans by sector and by agency. The goal is to identify existing vulnerability assessments and resources, and identify gaps in information, capacity, or specific climate adaptation actions that can reduce the risks and improve the preparedness, adaptation, resilience of the Virgin Islands to climate change. It is important to stress that just as climate change affects every aspect of human life, cross-sector cooperation and collaboration between the institutions and agencies analyzed will be vital to addressing existing and emerging issues and opportunities in a way that positions the territory to prosper throughout the 21st century. This synthesis serves to aid the development of the 2016-2017 territory-wide vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan called for by Governor Kenneth Mapp’s Executive Order No. 474-2015.

Citation: Jacobs, Kasey R.; Fain, Stephen J.; Henry, S; Archibald, W; Gould, William A. 2016. Synthesis of Climate Change Related Knowledge and Information in the United States Virgin Islands: An Institutional Analysis. Report for the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs. 177 pp. USDA Caribbean Climate Hub, U.S. Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry.

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