Abstract:
Empirical evidence supports that anthropogenic activities have brought about significant changes in
our climate. In the instance of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) there is a potentially significant
impact from the effects of climate change as the majority of the population resides within the coastal
zone, thereby increasing potential loss of life and damage to property during climate related events.
Determining vulnerability can provide an assessment of the factors that place communities at risk to
the potential loss of life and property and assist in the creation of solutions towards increased
resilience and adaptation.
This paper explores the literature on the coastal zone vulnerabilities of Trinidad and Tobago with
particular focus on the Caroni River Basin, the most populated basin on the island. In addition to the
population growth in the coastal zone, key sectors of subsistent agriculture, fisheries, cottage
industries, oil refineries and manufacturing are located within the coastal zone. Therefore, this paper
also highlights the myriad of vulnerabilities of Caribbean SIDS and outlines environmentally sensitive
design solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
