A study by development thinktank ODI Global has found that Caribbean nations suffered $53.2bn (£40bn) in economic damage from climate-fuelled disasters between 2000 and 2024, accounting for over 90% of the $57bn total losses recorded across 39 developing island nations worldwide. The findings, which also link the climate crisis to more than 190 deaths a year over the period, are seen as significant evidence for ongoing international discussions about climate reparations and compensation, particularly given that the crisis is largely driven by high-emitting countries outside the region.

The report, published on Wednesday, highlights Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in October 2025 with record winds of 185mph, attributing $9.7bn of the storm's $12.2bn damage bill directly to climate change – equivalent to nearly half of Jamaica's economy. It follows a similarly destructive Hurricane Beryl in 2024, leaving many without homes, power and basic services in consecutive years. Researchers warn that international climate financing is moving in the wrong direction as wealthy nations cut contributions, prompting Jamaica to pass new legislation in May to speed up disaster recovery efforts.