Bermuda and Climate Change: Impacts from Sea Level Rise and Changing Storm Activity


Climate change poses a profound threat to Bermuda’s society, economy, and environment. Without adaptation, essential infrastructure such as the airport, docks, and electricity systems, along with key economic sectors like tourism, agriculture, and international business, face significant risks. As a small island with unique vulnerabilities—including geographic isolation, limited resources, and fragile ecosystems—Bermuda must prioritize climate adaptation strategies over mitigation efforts. The Government has taken decisive steps by commissioning the Smith Warner Institute (SWI) to undertake a Climate Change Study entitled " Bermuda and Climate Change: Impacts from Sea Level Rise and Changing Storm Activity" and forming a multi-ministerial Climate Change Task Force to guide adaptation initiatives. With a focus on protecting critical infrastructure and natural resources, these efforts aim to build resilience against the dynamic challenges of climate change while safeguarding Bermuda’s economy and way of life.

The SWI Climate Change Study comprises five reports, and the Ministry of Home Affairs invites you to review them online here. The five reports consist of three (3) preliminary reports—an inception report, a baseline report, and a modelling report—the final full report and an executive summary of the final report.

Additionally, Dr. Guishard, COO of BIOS and a member of the Climate Change Task Force, has separately authored a report and presentation on the impacts of climate change to Bermuda. These will also be helpful in informing the impacts of Climate Change in Bermuda.  Please find the links to these below as well.  

Please direct all questions and comments via email to climatechange@gov.bm.
 

"Bermuda and Climate Change: Impacts from Sea Level Rise and Changing Storm Activity" by Smith Warner International Limited
 
 
 "Climate Change and Bermuda" by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
 

 

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Visit the Geographic Information System HERE

This platform is an interactive and user-friendly tool designed to visualize data layers developed during the climate change study, including:

  • Projected Sea-Level Rise: Visualizing the potential impact on Bermuda's coastline and infrastructure.
  • Vulnerability Assessments: Evaluating the risks to communities, ecosystems, and key industries.
  • Climate Adaptation Measures: Identifying priority areas for intervention and action.

 

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