MARIGOT / PHILIPSBURG – The Tailor-Made Heat Maps for Caribbean Island States project has officially launched in St. Martin/St. Maarten, bringing new data-driven tools to highlight the increasing impact of extreme heat. Funded by UNESCO, this initiative will provide critical insights into extreme heat to help communities, educators, decision-makers, urban planners and policymakers better prepare for rising temperatures.
Detailed heat mapping for smarter planning
The project’s analysis spans 2013 to 2024, producing heat maps at two levels:
- Raster level – A high-resolution grid format offering detailed heat distribution data across neighborhoods.
- District level – A broader visualization designed to support schools, elderly care homes, community centers, urban planners, decision-makers and businesses in identifying and mitigating heat hotspots.
These maps will be published in July 2025 and made accessible through an interactive dashboard, allowing users to explore heat intensity and trends in both French and Dutch territories. This localized data will help communities better plan for and adapt to extreme heat.
Community engagement & local insights
Beyond satellite-based mapping, the project features a qualitative survey to capture real-world experiences of residents dealing with extreme heat. Local researcher Ms. Sahar Thomson will lead these surveys, collaborating with community stakeholders to ensure broad participation.
The final list of interview groups is being determined with local partners, but may include: Youth, elderly individuals and caretakers, teachers and education professionals, caretakers of the differently-abled , and healthcare providers.
Interviews are scheduled to begin in late April/early May 2025, and the findings will complement the heat maps, including community voices to shape heat adaptation strategies.
Additionally, consultations with local stakeholders are ongoing to ensure the project aligns with regional climate adaptation priorities.
Accessing the data & project updates
To make this valuable information widely available, findings and updates will be shared on the project’s official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571085520422
Later this year, a dedicated website will launch, providing access to interactive maps, news, blogs and reports.
Building a climate-resilient future for St. Martin/St. Maarten
With rising temperatures and prolonged heat waves affecting public health and infrastructure, this initiative is a critical tool for adaptation. By integrating scientific heat mapping with community-driven insights, the project aims to empower decision-makers and local residents to take action against heat risks.
For more information, follow our Facebook page and stay tuned for community engagement sessions and public events.
