As a small island open economy, Aruba is highly exposed and vulnerable to several external shocks, including but not limited to, financial-economic and geo-political shocks, as well as environmental and climate hazards. In terms of climate vulnerabilities and considering climate change acceleration, (coastal) residential communities and vital (primary) infrastructures, as well as nature and marine habitats are increasingly exposed to both natural disasters and acute climate shocks, in addition to the slow onset of climate and ocean changes and chronic stressors (i.e., climate slow burns).

A climate resilient small island state (CRSIS) is able to cope, adapt, transform, and learn in the face of current and future climate changes, thereby ensuring that all individuals, households, sectors, as well as nature and biodiverse ecologies have the capacity and the opportunity to thrive, and lead a dignified and fulfilled life. Climate resilience — the ability of a system, community or society exposed to natural hazards and climate risks to anticipate, resist, recover, as well as adapt to, and transition and transform from the effects and impacts of climate change in a timely and effective manner, including the preservation and restoration of its essential basic (socio-ecological) services, structures, and systems — is used in a purposefully all-encompassing manner and inclusive of climate adaptation (i.e., the process of adjusting systems in response to the actual and projected risks and impacts of a changing climate). Consequently, CRSIS exhibit a strong and fundamental predisposition towards a risk-based, resilience-driven, and action-oriented strategy to foster climate resilience and climate justice.

The purpose of the National Climate Resilience Council (NCRC) of Aruba is to contribute to the systemic strengthening of climate resilience for the inter- and intra-generational wellbeing of society and nature. In leading climate resilience and as the national climate authority of Aruba, the primary mandate of the NCRC is to:

I. Develop a national climate resilience framework and enabling climate legislation, as well as evidence-based climate policies and pathways for a just and inclusive climate-resilient transition towards safeguarding national wellbeing.

II. Coordinate the execution of climate risks and resilience assessments, in addition to advancing climate analytics and a national climate resilience research program.

III. Foster the development of institutional capabilities and governance for strengthening climate adaptation capacity and climate resiliency.

IV. Identify climate finance needs and opportunities, as well as mobilize access to climate investments and financing to advance climate resilience at scale.

V. Promote climate literacy and mainstream climate education to nurture inter- and intra-generational climate resiliency and equity, as well as facilitating meaningful engagement, especially amongst climate vulnerable and marginalized communities.