Human Adaptation to Coastal Hazards in Greater Bridgetown, Barbados

Greater Bridgetown, Barbados, demonstrates significant capacity for resilience against coastal hazards such as sea-level rise and storm surges, but this potential is hindered by institutional neglect, limited stakeholder engagement, and insufficient investment. The study identifies that while historical urban development and governance structures shape vulnerability, proactive adaptation strategies—including infrastructure protection and cross-sector collaboration—could substantially reduce risks. Using a qualitative survey and an adaptive urban governance framework, researchers analyzed the interplay between national policies, urban morphology, and local stakeholder initiatives to assess how these factors either mitigate or exacerbate coastal vulnerabilities. The findings underscore the need for prioritization of climate adaptation in small island developing states, where urban resilience is critical yet often overlooked.

Mycoo, M., Robinson, S.-A., Nguyen, C., Nisbet, C., & Tonkel, R. (2021). Human Adaptation to Coastal Hazards in Greater Bridgetown, Barbados. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.647788