Petroleum industry

Petroleum exports are an important part of the economy of Suriname,^[7] much of which is controlled by the state owned Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname. As of January 2020, an American corporation, Apache Corporation, was drilling wells in Maka Central.^[8]

Temperature and weather changes

According to the World Bank, temperatures have already increased across the country, with a significant increase in hot weather.^[9] Though precipitation has not shown any significant trend changes,^[9] projections suggest significant changes in different parts of the country.^[10]

Sea level rise

90% of Suriname's human activity is on the Northern coast, which is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and salt water intrusion.^[11]

Economic impacts

Health impacts

The greatest risk Suriname faces is the flooding of the rivers. The population is concentrated around major rivers like the Suriname, Commewijne, and Marowijne River in an area a few meters above sea level.^[13] In 2006 and 2015, there were majors floods even resulting in deaths.^[14][15]

Policies and legislation

The Surinamese government was proactive about updating its Nationally Determined Contributions statement in 2020, second only behind the Climate change in the Marshall Islands.^[1] The major commitments included maintenance of forests as a carbon sink, 35% renewable energy by 2030, and sustainable farming and transportation investments.^[1]