Climate change compounds existing challenges.

Climate change compounds the previously mentioned challenges St. Croix faces. Whether the island is contending with a future of flooding or drought or both, the way of life on St. Croix must adapt to future climate threats. As discussed further below, climate change impacts both all natural and man-made systems on the island. The current reality of St. Croix is that infrastructure is flooded all too easily, crops and agriculture struggle from increased temperatures and lack of irrigation, and all of this impacts the well-being of people.

Unfortunately, the young, the elderly, and especially the socioeconomically vulnerable individuals, will face the brute of the impacts of these future threats. Planning for resilience strengthens and empowers all citizens of St. Croix to prepare for, adapt to, and recover from climate-related threats.