Small Island States: A battle for survival?

Small Island Developing States are at risk from climate change; this has been established by research over the last two decades. The challenges faced by the communities inhabiting the islands have become more acute with the impact of the global financial and economic crisis as funding for climate change adaption and mitigation has dwindled.

Actions in response to the effects of climate change on the island has been slight and the research that has been carried out concerning the effects it has on the islands does not extend far enough. Secretary General, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, a Small Islands State Official has previously stated:

"At the regional level, the anticipation of increased funding resources to support climate change efforts demands a more coordinated framework to manage, disburse and monitor its utilization . . . This can only be achieved through clear guidance from Forum countries, but more so from SIS, who stand to gain most from these development efforts."

The small island states face changes in rainfall, sea level, temperatures and an increase of extreme events, which pose various threats to the ecosystems and the communities that reside on the islands. These changes impact water resources, agriculture, health, fisheries, economic development and food security.

 Agriculture, for example, is threatened by the loss of coastal lands, an increase in drought and reduced rainwater as well as a potential increase in flooding and the subsequent salinization of land. If agriculture suffers then farmers could face a loss of income and even fail to produce enough food sustain the community. This scenario could result in migration to urban areas, increasing urban poverty and placing a strain on urban resources.

The communities on the islands have a limited adaptive capacity to the effects climate change is having on their homes. More research needs to be commissioned in order to find ways for the people to adapt to the changes happening around them in order to prevent the forced migration of people from the islands.

Although a commitment to cutting emissions is require from the small island states the sad truth is that their situation is mainly a consequence of the greenhouse gases emitted by other developed nations. The countries culpable for the majority of emissions are the rich, developed nations that are less vulnerable due to their ability to adapt due to the wealth they have accumulated through development which has, ironically, produced the greenhouse gases now affecting the life styles of those at threat from climate change.

"Climate change, therefore remain and will do so for a long time, a very top priority for the SIS. In that context, your agenda today reflects the serious attention that SIS need to give to climate change."

 For this reason today’s climate change agendas and Small Island States’ commitment to adaption need to reflect the attention that is necessary to avert from the possible worst case scenarios.

Author: Rachael Bristow | Climate Action
Image: Ed Yourdon | Flickr