By: Hannah Reid    

Members of the public who have not yet taken part in the Cayman Islands Climate Change Risk Assessment public survey are asked to complete the anonymous, online questionnaire no later than 24 June 2022.

The survey may be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/caymanclimaterisk

Launched by the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency as part of the ongoing climate change risk assessment, the survey aims to evaluate and measure what Cayman Islands residents think and believe about climate change, and assess relevant behaviours.

The questionnaire is completely anonymous. Demographic information collected will help the Ministry better identify common themes across different segments of the general population; all demographic questions include a ‘Prefer not to say’ option.

Ministry Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn said the survey has received more than 850 responses so far.

“Our goal was a nationally representative sample of approximately 400 responses,” she said. “I’m very pleased to say we have far surpassed that goal, demonstrating a high level of community interest in the climate change risk assessment project.”

Once the survey closes, the Ministry will begin compiling the data into a report for publication on its website: www.gov.ky/sustainability

Project Background and Next Steps

The climate change risk assessment is being undertaken by the Cayman Islands Government in partnership with the Centre for Environment Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH).

Last month, representatives from Cefas and UKCEH visited Grand Cayman to facilitate a public meeting, various interviews with local news media, and a two-day, invitation-only technical workshop. The technical workshop brought together stakeholders from the public sector, non-governmental agencies and academia to review a draft ‘long-list’ of 52 key risks and opportunities related to biodiversity and natural habitats, the economy and society. The results of the workshops will inform a final report, expected to be completed by September 2022. Meanwhile, the Ministry simultaneously continues to progress work on updating the climate change policy for the country.