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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Cuba

Cuba faces significant climate change challenges including rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns. The island nation is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding and extreme weather events, with 119 coastal settlements at risk. Cuba maintains moderate per capita greenhouse gas emissions and is implementing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to build coastal resilience.

Air Quality Index

Good

7.0/10

Stable trend

Cuba's air quality data is limited in public databases. The island's tropical location and relatively low industrial base compared to developed nations suggest generally moderate air quality. However, specific AQI measurements and historical trends are not readily available from standard monitoring networks.

Water Quality

Moderate

6.5/10

Cuba faces significant water quality challenges including saline intrusion in coastal areas due to sea level rise and climate change. Aquifers are under increasing pressure from reduced rainfall, particularly in eastern Cuba. The country experiences seasonal variations with dry seasons limiting water availability and recharge capacity.

Limited public data available on drinking water standards and treatment. Saline intrusion and drought conditions pose challenges to freshwater availability in coastal and eastern regions.

Recycling System

Specific recycling infrastructure and rates for Cuba are not available in current public databases. Limited information exists on formal recycling programs, collection systems, or recycling rates. Cuba's economic constraints and focus on climate adaptation may limit comprehensive recycling infrastructure development.

Green Spaces

Cuba maintains significant natural ecosystems including coral reef systems in the Jardines de la Reina National Park and tropical forests. The country has established protected areas to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, specific data on total forest coverage percentage and comprehensive protected area statistics are limited in available sources.

Jardines de la Reina National Park is a key protected marine ecosystem on Cuba's southeastern shelf, hosting coral reef systems and diverse marine biodiversity.

Environmental Policies

Cuba is implementing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to address climate change impacts, particularly in coastal regions. The country has adopted climate resilience initiatives focused on protecting vulnerable coastal settlements and agricultural sectors. Cuba is engaged in international climate agreements and sustainability frameworks.

Key Policies:

•Ecosystem-based adaptation for coastal resilience
•Climate change vulnerability reduction in coastal zones
•Agricultural and forestry sector adaptation

Renewable Energy: Specific renewable energy targets and percentages are not detailed in available sources, though Cuba is pursuing sustainable energy development as part of climate adaptation strategies.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Cuba faces extreme vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, coastal flooding, and drought. The island's low-lying coastal geography and tropical location create significant exposure to tropical cyclones and storm surge. Climate change is intensifying disaster frequency and severity.

Hurricanes and tropical stormsCoastal flooding and storm surgeDroughts and water scarcitySaline intrusion

Climate Change Impacts: By 2050, mean sea level in Cuba is projected to rise by 0.29 m, with potential increases between 0.22 m and 0.95 m by 2100. Combined with storm surge and Category 5 hurricanes, flooding could affect up to 19,935 km² by 2050, impacting 119 coastal settlements. Mean annual temperature is projected to increase by 1.6°C by 2050, with extremely hot days (>35°C) increasing by approximately 20 days. Rainfall is expected to decrease by 2070, particularly along the eastern coastline, with relative humidity declining 2-6% between 2030-2070. Marine heatwaves are intensifying, with sea-surface temperatures warming at ~0.28°C per decade, strongest in winter months (up to 0.48°C per decade in April). A persistent warming shift occurred between 2011-2013. Storms may become more frequent and slower-moving, increasing impact duration on island communities.

Sustainability Initiatives

Coastal Ecosystem Adaptation

Cuba is implementing ecosystem-based adaptation projects focused on building coastal resilience through mangrove restoration, coral reef protection, and natural barrier enhancement. These initiatives aim to reduce vulnerability to sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal flooding affecting vulnerable settlements.

Agricultural Adaptation

Cuba is developing climate-resilient agricultural practices to address increasing drought frequency, changing rainfall patterns, and temperature increases. Focus areas include drought-resistant crop varieties and water management strategies for key agricultural sectors.

Marine Protected Areas

Cuba maintains protected marine ecosystems including Jardines de la Reina National Park to preserve coral reef systems and marine biodiversity. These areas serve as climate adaptation infrastructure and support ecosystem resilience against warming and marine heatwaves.

Wildlife & Nature

Cuban CrocodileCritically Endangered

Cuban SolenodonEndangered

Caribbean Coral Reef SystemsVulnerable

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