Although the islands of the Caribbean are marked by nuanced differences which define the social, economic and political fabric of each individual country, there are broad similarities which make the islands, as a collective, all vulnerable to the risks and impacts of climate change. It is in this context that this briefing document is written. It is meant to highlight the necessity of island economies to adapt to the impacts of climate change. It establishes that investing in adaptation initiatives that reduce the impact of climate change is absolutely essential for the future viability and sustainability of the economies of the Caribbean. Risk management and by extension the utilisation of risk management tools and mechanisms will be critical in ensuring that effective adaptation measures against climate change are made even within the context of constrained resources and budgetary pressures.