Climate change, impacts, and adaptation on Curaçao

Curaçao is already feeling the effects of a changing climate—whether it’s hotter days, sudden heavy downpours, or rising sea levels. These changes affect not only our environment, but also our health, economy, and daily lives. The good news is that by understanding these risks better, we can also see where the opportunities lie to plan ahead and protect what matters most. In this talk, Timo will introduce KlimaKòrsou (klimakorsou.com), a new Climate Impact Atlas created especially for Curaçao, and he will share some of his experiences working on projects that help our island adapt and prepare for the future.

Biography

Timo Kelders work centers on supporting Curaçao and the wider Dutch Caribbean in preparing for the impacts of climate change. At Stichting Climate Adaptation Services (CAS), he coordinates efforts with local, regional, and Dutch partners to build practical tools such as KlimaKòrsou (klimakorsou.com): a public Climate Impact Atlas designed specifically to help Curaçao understand risks and opportunities for sustainable development.

He also serves as Coordinator for the Dutch Caribbean within the IPDC, working closely with local governments to accelerate climate adaptation strategies tailored to the islands’ needs. Alongside this, he is a researcher with the Climate Extremes group at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Institute for Environmental Studies (VU-IVM), where his scientific work has been recognized with the European Meteorological Society Award for Young Scientist.