Climate change issues on the Pacific Islands: An overview

Abstract

This paper sets a context for the theme of KLIMA 2012 by outlining the key issues of climate change as it affects the Pacific Islands. The paper describes projected biophysical impacts and the social issues they raise for Pacific Islanders. These issues are particularly acute for the low-lying atoll countries, whose continued existence is threatened by sea level rise. Most Pacific Island countries have populations concentrated in coastal areas, and have few financial or technical resources—all of which factors make them particularly vulnerable to climate change. Although Pacific Island countries are all striving to decrease their use of fossil fuels, including by greater use of renewable energy to save import costs, the intent is also to set an example to the large industrialised countries and to influence them to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing climate change. However, as global GHG emissions continue to rise, adaptation to climate change is essential for the sustainable development of the Pacific Islands.