Join the Caribbean Workshop: Strengthening Collaboration to Close Climate Data Gaps and Enhance Resilience

A recent workshop in Kingston, Jamaica, held from May 5 to 7, 2025, brought together Caribbean countries to tackle gaps in weather and climate data. This workshop was co-hosted by the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative. Sixteen countries participated, highlighting a regional push for better weather monitoring and resilience against extreme weather.

The Need for Improved Climate Resilience

The Caribbean has seen a sharp rise in extreme weather events—an 85% increase from 2001 to 2020. A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the IDB shows that these events cost an average of 2.13% of the region’s GDP each year. The impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024, noted as the first Category 5 hurricane this early in the season, emphasizes the urgency for better climate data and infrastructure.

This gathering aligns with the global "Early Warnings for All" initiative, aiming to ensure everyone is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

Closing the Data Gap

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stressed the importance of collecting comprehensive data. "Data is essential for predicting and responding to weather events," she remarked. Interestingly, she pointed out that Switzerland has more weather stations than the entire Caribbean combined.

Participants agreed on the necessity for a coordinated approach to improve data collection and address infrastructure challenges. They discussed making joint development projects and sharing resources to better manage risks.

Strengthening Climate Services

The workshop also focused on implementing the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) in the Caribbean, aimed at creating a standardized network of observation stations. Leaders believe this effort could serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar vulnerabilities.

Evan Thompson, head of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, highlighted the workshop’s potential: “This will help us leverage partnerships for climate adaptation in the Caribbean.”

Arlene Laing from the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) echoed these sentiments, noting the critical need for investment in observational systems and capacity building.

Key Initiatives: SOFF and CREWS

SOFF, launched in 2022, is dedicated to bridging weather data gaps. Already, it has helped 61 countries, including 16 in the Caribbean, with $4 million in grants aimed at developing tailored action plans and providing technical assistance. Belize has already begun utilizing this support.

CREWS, through its Caribbean 2.0 project, focuses on establishing vital early warning systems, aiming to bolster data and forecasting capabilities for the region’s most at-risk communities.

Challenges and Priorities

The workshop identified several key challenges:

• Fragmented observation infrastructure
• Limited financial resources
• Need for unified calibration protocols
• Data gaps in marine and upper-air reporting

Participants emphasized that building long-term resilience requires consistent investment and sharing of knowledge. There’s also a call for a regional network of upper-air stations for better forecasting, especially during hurricane season.

Looking Forward: Unity for Greater Impact

The Caribbean Regional Workshop illustrates the power of collaboration. By uniting local meteorological agencies, development banks, and international bodies, the region is working toward a climate-resilient future.

With a unified vision and growing support from international partners, Caribbean nations aim not just to prepare for future weather challenges but to play a significant role in the global climate data community.

For more insights on climate strategies and data collection, you can refer to the World Meteorological Organization and Inter-American Development Bank.

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