There is a difference between weather, climate, climate variability, and climate change. Greenhouse gases emitted as a result of human activity are the primary cause of global warming and climate change.

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are increasingly affected by higher temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, increases in sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification, and stronger tropical cyclones with increased associated rainfall. These effects have implications for natural and human systems, including extreme heat days, droughts, floods, storm surges, landslides, more severe tropical cyclone impacts, coral bleaching and increased presence of invasive species 7. However, there are opportunities and resources to mitigate greenhouse gases, and to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Extreme daytime heat, reductions in nighttime cooling, and extreme weather events associated with a changing climate can significantly affect the physical, mental, and social well-being of people working in agriculture and forest management. These effects result from increased exposure to common risks and stressors of people working outdoors compared to other populations. Extreme heat during the day can reduce the amount of time that can be spent working comfortably and safely in the field. Protective equipment and practices used in conventional agriculture can exacerbate the stressors and thus occupational health of these workers. Nature-based solutions that provide shade and cooler outdoor working conditions include fruit tree plantations, shaded coffee or other crops, agroforestry, and silvopasture.

Agricultural businesses, producers, and forest managers can increase their climate resilience through the implementation of climate adaptation strategies in their management goals. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced and carbon sequestration increased, mitigating climate change, by implementing certain practices on farms and forested lands. USDA provides various technical and financial assistance programs to support climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Welcome to the Climate Literacy Module for a Climate-Smart Caribbean

This module was prepared by the Caribbean Climate Hub to strengthen your knowledge about climate change. The module explains the impacts of climate change on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and provides mitigation and adaptation resources to increase the Caribbean working lands’ resilience and productivity.

This module aims to increase knowledge and build shared climate awareness among USDA agency personnel, the agriculture and forestry advisory community, practitioners in agriculture and forestry, policy makers and planners, and the public in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Users will gain insight into the climate-related challenges faced by farmworkers, ranchers, forest managers, and others in the farm and forestry sector. Increased climate literacy can help USDA staff better develop and provide guidance to climate adaptation from a holistic perspective. It can also be used by professionals from diverse disciplines, practitioners, and anyone interested in raising their level of climate literacy and implementing climate solutions in agriculture and forestry.

This module is divided into four lessons:

The basics of climate and climate change

This lesson clarifies the fundamental concepts of weather and climate change, providing a solid understanding of what this phenomenon actually entails. It delves into the foundations of climate and explores essential concepts that will help you understand what climate change is and how it impacts our environment.

Objectives:

Lay the foundation for the understanding of what climate change is and why it occurs.

Estimated duration:

10 minutes

Key messages:

There is a difference between weather, climate, climate variability, and climate change.
Greenhouse gases emitted as a result of human activity are the primary cause of global warming and climate change.

Climate change in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: trends and future scenarios

This lesson examines the specific climate change scenarios for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, presenting climate trends and future scenarios for mid-century in both territories. It explores in detail how the climate is evolving in the region and provides a clear insight into possible future scenarios, allowing you to better understand the challenges and opportunities that these islands will face in the coming years.

Objectives:

To learn about the observed climate changes in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and to be aware of plausible future climate changes to be better prepared when implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies in agriculture and forestry.

Estimated duration:

40 minutes (5-10 minutes each)

Key messages:

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are increasingly affected by higher temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, increases in sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification, and stronger tropical cyclones with increased associated rainfall.
These effects have implications for natural and human systems, including extreme heat days, droughts, floods, storm surges, landslides, more severe tropical cyclone impacts, coral bleaching and increased presence of invasive species 7. However, there are opportunities and resources to mitigate greenhouse gases, and to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Climate change and human health

This lesson addresses the impact of climate change on the physical, mental, and overall well-being of farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and forest managers. Additionally, it provides a detailed understanding of how climate changes directly affect the health and well-being of individuals working in these sectors, the associated challenges and risks, as well as strategies to improve health and resilience in these work environments.

Objective:

Gain understanding of the increasing challenges encountered by farmers, ranchers, forest managers, and agricultural workers amidst the increasing impacts of climate change. This insight aims to provide more effective guidance and support for their climate adaptation.

Estimated duration:

10 mins

Key messages:

Extreme daytime heat, reductions in nighttime cooling, and extreme weather events associated with a changing climate can significantly affect the physical, mental, and social well-being of people working in agriculture and forest management.
These effects result from increased exposure to common risks and stressors of people working outdoors compared to other populations. Extreme heat during the day can reduce the amount of time that can be spent working comfortably and safely in the field. Protective equipment and practices used in conventional agriculture can exacerbate the stressors and thus occupational health of these workers.
Nature-based solutions that provide shade and cooler outdoor working conditions include fruit tree plantations, shaded coffee or other crops, agroforestry, and silvopasture.

Opportunities for climate adaptation and mitigation

This lesson provides solutions to mitigate greenhouse gases and promote adaptation to climate change, presenting best practices and programs and resources available from the USDA. It explores effective strategies to reduce environmental impact, addressing key opportunities for adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects, providing access to specific tools and programs designed to support these initiatives.

Objectives:

To understand the concepts of climate adaptation and mitigation and the key practices and programs available in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that support climate adaptation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sequester carbon.

Estimated duration:

20 mins

Key messages:

Agricultural businesses, producers, and forest managers can increase their climate resilience through the implementation of climate adaptation strategies in their management goals.
Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced and carbon sequestration increased, mitigating climate change, by implementing certain practices on farms and forested lands.
USDA provides various technical and financial assistance programs to support climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Getting to Know the Fundamental Concepts

This enriching resource will allow you to deepen your understanding of each key term, thereby facilitating more informed engagement to implement adaptation and mitigation solutions to climate change.

Bibliography

We encourage you to explore the associated bibliographic references, where you can access valuable sources that support the construction of this module. Your interest and participation in this learning journey are essential for building a sustainable future in the Caribbean.

Each lesson includes a short video with questions that will allow you to assess the progress of your knowledge on the subject, and additional resources that will allow you to deepen your understanding of the topics covered. Once you have completed the module and answered all the questions, you will be able to download a certificate.

At the end you will:

Expand and strengthen your knowledge of what climate change is and how it manifests in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Be better prepared to assist and guide your staff, partners, and clients in developing mitigation and adaptation solutions in agriculture and forestry.
Receive a certificate of completion.

Welcome to the Climate Literacy Module for a Climate-Smart Caribbean

This module is divided into four lessons:

The basics of climate and climate change

Climate change in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: trends and future scenarios

Climate change and human health

Opportunities for climate adaptation and mitigation

Getting to Know the Fundamental Concepts

Bibliography

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