USM Contributes to the Launch of the island's Climate Impact
December 4, 2025
USM proudly participated in the official launch of the St. Martin Climate Impact Atlas during the VROMI Climate Symposium. Working alongside key partners across both sides of the island, USM ensured the inclusion of the French-side and contributed local stories, maps, affecting our shared island.
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the University of St. Martin participated in the official launch of the St. Martin Climate Impact Atlas as part of the VROMI Climate Symposium. The online Atlas is an important tool that provides insights into present and future climate challenges affecting our island, including sea-level rise, flooding, and heat impacts.
USM played a key role in ensuring that the entire island North and South is represented. This included coordinating the inclusion of the French Collectivité, which is reflected in the trilingual naming of the Atlas: St. Martin in French, English, and Spanish. USM also coordinated stakeholder verification with both the Prefecture and the Collectivité, reinforcing the principle of One Island, One People.
Local cultural storytelling was also embedded in the Atlas through contributions from USM’s English Literature Lecturer, Rochelle Ward, who authored narratives highlighting the lived experiences and resilience of St. Martin’s people and environment.
This collaborative effort was carried out with support from VROMI, the Infrastructure Planning and Development Consultancy (IPDC), and the Caribbean Action for Sustainability (CAS). Together, these partners worked to ensure that scientific data, maps, and cultural elements were well aligned and accurate.
The launch of the St. Martin Climate Impact Atlas represents a significant step in advancing climate awareness and resilience planning for the island. It provides access to critical knowledge for policymakers, educational institutions, community organizations, and residents who are working to protect and prepare for the future.
The Atlas is now publicly available online and can be explored here: stmartin.climateimpactatlas.com
USM remains committed to contributing to research, education, and partnerships that strengthen the sustainability and safety of our island community.
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USM played a key role in ensuring that the entire island North and South is represented. This included coordinating the inclusion of the French Collectivité, which is reflected in the trilingual naming of the Atlas: St. Martin in French, English, and Spanish. USM also coordinated stakeholder verification with both the Prefecture and the Collectivité, reinforcing the principle of One Island, One People.
Local cultural storytelling was also embedded in the Atlas through contributions from USM’s English Literature Lecturer, Rochelle Ward, who authored narratives highlighting the lived experiences and resilience of St. Martin’s people and environment.
This collaborative effort was carried out with support from VROMI, the Infrastructure Planning and Development Consultancy (IPDC), and the Caribbean Action for Sustainability (CAS). Together, these partners worked to ensure that scientific data, maps, and cultural elements were well aligned and accurate.
The launch of the St. Martin Climate Impact Atlas represents a significant step in advancing climate awareness and resilience planning for the island. It provides access to critical knowledge for policymakers, educational institutions, community organizations, and residents who are working to protect and prepare for the future.
The Atlas is now publicly available online and can be explored here: stmartin.climateimpactatlas.com
USM remains committed to contributing to research, education, and partnerships that strengthen the sustainability and safety of our island community.
Latest News →
