Support for climate adaptation in Curaçao is high, according to a survey of 555 residents. Respondents have clear and practical priorities for how Curaçao should prepare for climate change. Planting more trees and creating green spaces, restoring and cleaning natural drainage channels, and improving infrastructure to prevent flooding and utilize rainwater locally are at the top of the list. It is striking that large-scale hard coastal protection, such as sea walls, receives much less support.
The survey was conducted in October and November 2025 for the development of the National Adaptation Strategy for Curaçao (NAS-Ç). Moreover, most residents already experience climate change every day, particularly through extreme heat, higher water and electricity costs, and infrastructure problems.
Nearly half of respondents indicated that they have experienced higher costs for energy, water, fuel, and food in the past five years due to weather and climate conditions. More than half said they have been severely affected by very hot days and heat waves. Over the next ten years, many residents expect that higher water and energy bills, and extremely hot and dry weather will significantly impact their lives.
