Effects of climate change on small island countries
The effects of climate change on small island countries are affecting people in coastal areas through sea level rise, increasing heavy rain events, tropical cyclones and storm surges.
Many of the small island developing countries have a high vulnerability to climate change, whilst having contributed very little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Therefore, some small island countries have made advocacy for global cooperation on climate change mitigation a key aspect of their foreign policy.
A common feature of SIDS is a high ratio of coastline-to-land area, with large portions of populations, infrastructure, and assets being located along the coast.
[5] Small island developing states make minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, with a combined total of less than 1%.
[10][11] Stefan Rahmstorf, a professor of Ocean Physics at Potsdam University in Germany, notes "even limiting warming to 2 degrees, in my view, will still commit some island nations and coastal cities to drown.
[19] As sea level rises, island nations are at increased risk of losing coastal arable land to degradation as well as salination.
[21] SIDS may also have reduced financial and human capital to mitigate climate change risk, as many rely on international aid to cope with disasters like severe storms.
In island nations, changes in sea levels, temperature, and humidity may increase the prevalence of mosquitoes and diseases carried by them such as malaria and Zika virus.
Rising sea levels and severe weather such as flooding and droughts may render agricultural land unusable and contaminate freshwater drinking supplies.
[24] Climate migration has been discussed in popular media as a potential adaptation approach for the populations of islands threatened by sea level rise.
[3] A study that engaged the experiences of residents in atoll communities found that the cultural identities of these populations are strongly tied to these lands.
The report suggested that Barbados' experience could be easily replicated in other SIDS with high fossil fuel imports and abundant sunshine.
[2] The Alliance of Small Island States (ASIS) has been a strong negotiating group in the UNFCCC, highlighting that although they are negligible contributors to anthropogenic climate change, they are among the most vulnerable to its impacts.
[2] The 43 members of the alliance have held the position of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and advocated for this at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, influencing the goals of the Paris Agreement.
In 2002, Tuvalu threatened to sue the United States and Australia in the International Court of Justice for their contribution to climate change and for not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.
At the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Tuvalu delegate Ian Fry spearheaded an effort to halt negotiations and demand a comprehensive, legally binding agreement.
[34] East Timor, or Timor-Leste, faces numerous challenges as a result of climate change and increased global temperatures.
[53] In 2008, fresh water supplies began being encroached by seawater, prompting President Anote Tong to request international assistance to begin relocating the country's population elsewhere.
[61] Human rights experts provided that the climate crisis has contributed to conflict in communities, negative future socio-economic outlook, and food instability.
In response to sea level rise, Tuvalu is considering resettlement plans in addition to pushing for increased action in confronting climate change at the UN.
[5] Singapore adopts a proactive long-term effort in addressing rising sea-levels, temperature increases due to global warming, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
