The University of the West Indies (The UWI) signed a contract with geo-data specialists Fugro Geoid SAS earlier this month to use Light Detection and Ranging Data (LIDAR) to assess coastal vulnerability and conduct climate analysis related to sea-level rise, storm surges and flooding in the Caribbean.

Planning for a changing climate and the anticipated impacts on the Caribbean – from temperature increases and the associated implications for food and water security to extreme weather events and the associated implications for public health – has got a shot in the arm.This is thanks to a US$1.9-million contract for light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data collection and processing, recently signed between The University of the West Indies and geo-data specialists Fugro Geoid SAS.