Context
The Pacific Islands are among the regions that are the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. For the 22 small island states and territories scattered across the vast expense of the Pacific Ocean, the rise in sea levels, the increasing intensity of tropical cyclones, and ocean acidification are no longer potential threats but are now present-day dangers. Climate variability poses imminent and serious threats of loss of land, fresh water, and indigenous people’s cultural identity, as well as affecting the well-being of island ecosystems.
In the face of these environmental challenges, the collective population of 12.7 million residents in the Pacific Islands finds itself uniquely vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate variability. In addition, Northern Pacific Islanders are facing serious humanitarian issues. The loss of homes and sources of livelihood for people living close to the sea compromised food and water supplies because of irregular rainfall, and health complications that accompany poor living conditions are becoming more and more common. These islands are also relatively isolated and have limited links with other globalized regions as well as weak institutional capacity and infrastructure that exposes them to the negative impacts of climate change and which require urgent adaptation and risk management.
Key environmental challenges
Vulnerable to rising sea levels
- The Pacific Ocean has been recording high tides that continue to be on the rise and will soon destroy island nations and impact future climate conditions. The relative rise in sea level is classified as moderate and ranges between 3 to 4mm annually.
- This means that by 2100, sea levels could have risen by 0.3 to 1 meter which would lead to the displacement of thousands of people as well as to the flooding of whole communities according to scientists.
Extreme weather events
- In recent years Pacific Island nations have experienced more intense cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes than ever before.
- Such events have been more damaging to property, lives, and the economy, with recovery measures calculated to be beyond the recognized financial reach of these countries.
- The occurrence of category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones has risen over the last few decades with devastating impacts on structures, houses, and income sources.
- For example, Cyclone Winston which was the strongest cyclone to be experienced in Fiji in 2016 impacted more than 350,000 people and resulted in more than US$1.4 billion losses.
Ocean acidification
- The Pacific Ocean is currently undergoing a process of acidification which is caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide, and this negatively affects coral reefs and other marine flora and fauna.
- The Pacific Islands are thus at risk and it is predicted that over 70% of the reefs will suffer severe bleaching and change due to ocean acidification by 2050.
Humanitarian impact
Displacement and relocation
With rising sea levels and frequent and severe natural disasters, more Pacific Islanders are being displaced from their traditional habitats. This enforced displacement disturbs the identity of native societies which is rooted in the connection with the ground and water. It has been predicted that by 2050 tens of thousands of individuals in the Pacific Islands could become climate change refugees due to flooding of the coastal regions.
Some island countries including Tuvalu and Kiribati have already begun this process whereby people are being relocated to higher altitudes or to different islands.
Food and water insecurity
Climate change brings food and water insecurity as it influences freshwater bodies and consequently the availability of water for domestic and agricultural use is limited. The fluctuations in climate make it difficult for farmers and fishermen to continue practicing their trade and consistently produce lucrative yields or land large quantities of fish. Underprivileged groups such as women and children are most affected as they face an increased likelihood of malnutrition and hunger.
About one in every four inhabitants of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) is reported to have moderate to severe food insecurity which is caused by a deficiency of money or other forms of capital.
Health risks
Flooding, storms, storm surges, changes in climate, and sea-level rise contribute to injuries, waterborne diseases, and psychological disorders arising from forced displacement and loss among the affected populations. These challenges are further worsened by the scarce healthcare facilities meaning that the affected communities are not well equipped to handle the increasing incidences of health complications caused by climate change.
The lack of health facilities and limited access to healthcare services exacerbates vulnerability, particularly during natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. For instance, during Cyclone Winston in Fiji in 2016, 41% of health facilities were severely damaged, leaving communities without vital medical care.
In addition, Pacific Island countries face challenges in managing vector-borne diseases and outbreaks which are increasingly influenced by climate change. For example, the Zika virus outbreak in several Pacific nations in recent years highlighted the heightened risk posed by changing environmental conditions that have become conducive to disease vectors.
International response
Climate finance
Given the urgent need to help Pacific Island states, climate finance has been at the center of international initiatives. This is achieved by prioritizing funds for adaptation and the building of resilience that improves infrastructure and enables disaster preparedness and sustainable livelihoods. Over the past decade, the Pacific nations have received approximately US$2.2 billion in financing to help to adapt to the effects of climate change. Despite efforts to secure financial support, accessing sufficient climate finance remains a complex issue, hindered by challenging application processes, limited project development capacity, and fierce competition for funds.
Looking ahead
The future of the Pacific Island nations therefore depends on collective efforts that seek to address, adapt and respond to climate change and other environmental as well as humanitarian challenges. Immediate actions must be prioritized:
- Enhanced resilience: Funding for climate adaptive infrastructure, installing effective early warning systems, and community-based precautionary measures to minimize losses of human life and property.
- Sustainable development: Encouraging the sustainable management of fishing resources, and the agriculture and tourism industries to minimize the adverse impacts to the environment as well as to boost economic resilience.
- Capacity building: Enhancing local communities’ coping ability and response preparedness in disaster risk management, health systems, and governance for better disaster response and building resilience for sustainable development.
- Inclusive partnerships: Participation of local communities, indigenous peoples, civil societies, and the private sector in policy-making processes on climate change and other climate action.
By building resilience, sustainability, and cooperation at local, regional, and international levels, the Pacific Island nations can effectively overcome the impacts of climate change and ensure a better future for the people of the region. This goal has gained global recognition, highlighted by the Security Council’s first-ever open debate in February 2023 on the impact of sea-level rise on international peace and security.
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