Most residents of Curaçao already experience climate change on a daily basis, especially through extreme heat, higher water and electricity costs, and infrastructure problems. At the same time, support for climate adaptation is strong. This is evident from a large national survey among 555 residents, conducted in October and November 2025 as part of the development of the National Adaptation Strategy Curaçao (NAS-Ç).
The study shows that residents have clear and practical priorities for how Curaçao should prepare for climate change. At the top of the list are planting more trees and creating green spaces (41%), restoring and cleaning natural drainage channels – the “rooien” – (37%), and improving infrastructure to prevent flooding and make local use of rainwater (35%). Notably, large-scale hard coastal protection measures, such as seawalls, receive much less support (11%).
High costs and extreme heat felt most strongly
Nearly half of respondents say they have experienced higher costs for energy, water, fuel, and food over the past five years due to weather and climate conditions. More than half (55%) report being strongly affected by very hot days and heatwaves. Over the next ten years, many residents expect that especially higher water and energy bills and extremely hot and dry weather will strongly affect their lives.
Climate adaptation is seen as important or even a top priority by 76% of respondents. At the same time, only 14% fully agree with the statement that the government can be trusted to act in the best interest of Curaçao. This points to a clear expectation of leadership, combined with a need for transparency and citizen involvement.
Nature and affordability central to solutions
Across all research themes, residents frequently choose nature-based solutions. More greenery in neighborhoods, protection of coral reefs and mangroves, and restoration of natural waterways receive strong support. Affordability also plays a major role. The most selected measure within the theme of economy and finance is the creation of affordable loans for low-income families to invest in climate measures such as cooler homes, lower energy bills, and protection against storm damage (45%).
Many residents indicate that they are willing to take action themselves, such as saving water and energy (54%), preparing an emergency kit (67%), and buying more local food (51%). Lack of information (35%), costs (29%), and the belief that the government is responsible (39%) are mentioned as the main barriers to taking action.
“Start by getting the basics in order”
When asked for recommendations, residents repeatedly emphasize that climate adaptation begins with putting the basics in order: maintenance of roads, sewage systems, and drainage; preventing construction in natural waterways; and keeping neighborhoods clean. Many respondents directly link climate adaptation to livability, cleanliness, nature, education, and the cost of living.
The results of this survey are being directly used in the further development of the National Adaptation Strategy Curaçao. The study was conducted by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in collaboration with the University of Curaçao, research agency RE-Quest, and the Climate Adaptation Services Foundation (CAS), as part of the project “Supporting Curaçao in developing a National Adaptation Strategy” of the International Panel on Deltas and Coastal Areas (IPDC).
The full report is publicly available via:
https://ipdc-climate-action.org/projects/supporting-curacao-in-developing-a-national-adaptation-strategy/