Climate Change, Disasters and Health in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Climate-induced disasters threaten human health globally and is even more striking for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Geographical positions, frequent exposure to climatic events, generally small population, and limited resources make SIDS uniquely vulnerable to climate change and health risks. The Caribbean Region has seen an increased frequency and intensity of hazards, exacerbated by the climate impacts and related health risks. To elaborate the key points, this chapter uses the case of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Climate-driven disasters have the potential to significantly affect the health of the most vulnerable, including the poor, elderly, disabled, women, children, and those who are already at risk disproportionately. There is a need for data-driven research to better examine how inequalities increase the risk of marginalised communities to climate-induced health risks. Marginalised communities generally have strong bonds which work well to address issues affecting the community, but such can also be a barrier to effecting change, this is considered a double bind. Therefore, working closely with communities can help to open pathways to effective strategies to address social issues. This chapter therefore examines the contributing factors to determine systematic ways to understand and address climate change in relation to health risks.