Caribbean Context
What type of climate does the Caribbean generally have?
Tropical climate
What is flooding?
An overflow of water onto land that is normally dry.
What can cause flooding through sudden heavy rainfall?
Intense rainfall.
Name one effect of flooding on people.
Loss of life/injury
What is one way individuals can reduce flood risk?
Answer: Not littering or blocking drains
Name one Caribbean hazard
Flooding
What is a drought?
A prolonged period of unusually low rainfall.
How can deforestation contribute to flooding?
It reduces vegetation that helps absorb water.
How can droughts affect farmers?
Crop yields can decrease and livestock can be lost.
What can governments improve to reduce flooding?
Have more Drainage systems.
Why are many Caribbean settlements vulnerable to flooding?
Many are located on coasts and floodplains
Name TWO types of flooding found in the Caribbean
River flooding and flash flooding
How does urbanisation increase flood risk?
Concrete surfaces increase runoff
Give one environmental impact of flooding.
Soil erosion/loss of fertile topsoil.
How can people reduce drought risk at home?
Conserve water.
What are TWO characteristics of the Caribbean climate mentioned?
Warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet/dry seasons.
What is agricultural drought?
Drought that causes soil to become too dry for crops.
Name TWO causes of droughts.
Prolonged dry seasons and climate change.
How can drought affect the economy?
It can cause losses for farmers, fisheries, industry and tourism.
Why are reservoirs and rainwater harvesting systems useful?
They help store water for periods of shortage.
Why does the Caribbean need to build resilience to hazards?
It is vulnerable to hazards such as heavy rainfall, hurricanes, droughts and sea-level rise.
What is socioeconomic drought?
Water shortages that affect people and the economy.
How can climate change contribute to BOTH flooding and droughts?
It can cause more intense rainfall and changes in rainfall patterns, while also contributing to prolonged dry conditions.
Explain TWO ways flooding or droughts can affect society and the economy.
They can damage infrastructure, disrupt education/healthcare, cause crop losses, reduce tourism and create water shortages.
Why is cooperation between individuals, governments, businesses and NGOs important?
Working together helps communities prepare for hazards and build resilience.