WILLEMSTAD – A new climate information initiative titled Feelin’Hot has revealed that several neighborhoods in Curaçao are consistently experiencing above-average temperatures, with peaks reaching up to 48 degrees Celsius. The findings are part of a broader regional study spearheaded by UNESCO, aimed at better understanding the effects of heat stress and improving climate resilience across the Caribbean. 

Curaçao is participating in the project alongside Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Jamaica. The research utilizes satellite imagery collected between 2013 and 2024 to map temperature patterns, analyze urban planning, and assess the impact of local vegetation. The data will be used to inform policy decisions aimed at making communities more resilient to extreme heat. 

The heat maps show that the hottest neighborhoods tend to lack shade, contain large amounts of concrete, and have little to no tree cover or vegetation. So far, 75% of the project work on Curaçao has been completed. Researchers are using satellite data from sources like Google Earth Engine and Landsat, combined with a self-developed analytical method, to visualize temperature differences across districts. 

Interestingly, the most extreme heat does not always correlate with the island’s driest areas. Instead, it often coincides with locations where vegetation has been lost. The absence of greenery appears to significantly increase surface temperatures. 

The project also includes community input. Residents have been surveyed about their personal experiences with heat, especially in areas where air conditioning is unaffordable or underused due to high electricity costs. Reported effects include sleep disturbances, fatigue, and worsening of existing health conditions such as asthma and diabetes. 

The Feelin’Hot project is expected to conclude by the end of 2025. Its results will serve as a foundation for future climate adaptation policies and urban development plans for Curaçao and other participating islands.