Roseau, Dominica — 23 June 2025

On Wednesday, June 11, the Dominica Meteorological Service (DMS), in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), hosted its National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) for the 2025 Wet and Hurricane Season.

Supported by the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme in partnership with the European Union (EU), the forum forms part of ongoing efforts to implement the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) at the national level.

Held at the Office of Disaster Management in Jimmit, the forum aimed to provide timely insights into weather patterns, climate projections, and their potential impacts on climate sensitive sectors critical to Dominica’s development. These insights are intended to inform strategies and adaptation measures that mitigate the effects of climate variability and change and support sustainable national development.

With a strategic focus on health, the forum drew on the shared expertise of meteorologists, public health professionals, disaster risk managers, and representatives from climate-sensitive sectors including water, education, and agriculture.

Dr. David Farrell, Principal of CIMH, underscored the importance of understanding the connection between climate and public health. Dr. Farrell stated, “As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, there is an increasing need for science-based decision-making that places public health at the center of resilience strategies. National Climate Outlook Forums offer platforms for knowledge-sharing and collective action among climate scientists and stakeholders. By fostering collaboration, we can develop effective strategies to mitigate the climate-related risks Dominica faces.”

Highlighting the escalating threats from extreme weather events and the critical role of climate information in strengthening resilience within the health sector, Mr. Kent Edwards, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, emphasized that “climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is one of the greatest public health threats of our time.” He noted, “This forum and the collaboration it represents are an essential step in transforming our systems and cementing our shared vision for a healthier, more resilient Dominica.”

Bringing remarks on behalf of EU Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Ms. Virginie André, Programme Manager, Disaster Risk Management, European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, emphasized, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to resilience at both the national and regional levels. Ms. André stated, “I am very happy that in the wake of the hurricane season, work is being done as we speak in partnership with the region in boosting forecasting capacities. The European Union is committed to the continued support of the Caribbean —not only in the face of whatever the upcoming season may bring, but also in your long-term efforts.”

Representing the host agency, Mr. Ithoma James, Acting Director of the DMS, added, “Climate services are more than just a forecast. they are powerful tools to safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. Proper use can turn uncertainty into opportunity.”

The forum began with climate updates from the DMS, including a review of the 2024/2025 dry season and forecasts for the wet and hurricane seasons. It also included sector-specific breakout sessions, and planning discussions on public health early warning systems. The latest Caribbean Health Climatic Bulletin was also presented. This bulletin highlighted evolving climate-related health risks such as vector-borne diseases, heat stress, and threats to water quality.

As the focus country for health under the Intra-ACP ClimSA Caribbean Programme, Dominica plays a pivotal role in advancing the climate and health agenda in the region by piloting integrated approaches aimed at strengthening preparedness, public awareness, and multisectoral collaboration.

This NCOF marks a significant step towards integrating climate information into national health and disaster risk planning, and further demonstrates Dominica’s commitment to building climate resilience in the face of a changing climate.