Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific: Setting-Up Priorities in the Health Sector

Abstract

The Pacific region is affected by climate change at different levels. According to the 5th Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), current and future climate-related drivers of risk for small islands during the 21st century include sea-level rise, tropical and extratropical cyclones, increasing air and sea surface temperatures, as well changing rainfall patterns, among others. There is a perceived need to set-up priorities for adaptation efforts. Consistent with this need, this paper outlines the extent to which climate change impacts countries in the Pacific region, with a special emphasis to health impacts, and outlines some areas where action is needed, including the set-up of an European-Pacific climate change platform.