KRALENDIJK – Bonaire must make substantial investments in the coming years to protect itself against the effects of climate change. This is the conclusion of a new study by Grant Thornton Impact House, commissioned by Greenpeace. According to the report, between $1.2 and $1.8 billion is needed for measures addressing heat stress, flooding, drought, and biodiversity loss, among other issues.
The report will be presented on Tuesday, May 12, to Prime Minister Rob Jetten during his visit to Bonaire. The researchers hope to use the occasion to draw greater attention to the island’s vulnerable position and the need for structural investment from The Hague.
According to the study, Bonaire is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme heat, and coral bleaching pose a threat not only to the island’s nature and culture, but also to its economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism and fishing.
The largest cost item is addressing water management and flood risk, for which an estimated maximum of $810 million is required. Measures to combat heat stress and strengthen coastal safety also demand hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. These include greening urban areas, restoring mangroves and coral reefs, improving sewage infrastructure, and protecting vulnerable coastal zones.
The report argues that the cost of inaction would ultimately be far greater. Without swift climate action, the damage to Bonaire could amount to well over $5 billion by 2050. The researchers therefore emphasize that rapid investment is not only necessary, but also economically sound.
Read the full report by Grant Thornton Impact House here
