Small island developing states (SIDS)

The  Panama evacuating the Guna community from Gardi Sugdub island highlights the severe impact of climate change on small island developing states (SIDS).

Why This is Newsworthy:

1. First of Its Kind: Panama is the first country to carry out a complete evacuation of an island community due to climate change-induced sea level rise. This sets a precedent and underscores the urgency of the issue.
2. Existential Threat: The relocation of the Guna families from Gardi Sugdub island is a tangible example of the existential threats faced by SIDS. Rising sea levels, caused by global warming, are directly impacting these communities, leading to loss of habitat and livelihoods.
3. Humanitarian Concern: This situation raises important humanitarian issues, including the displacement of indigenous communities, loss of cultural heritage, and the challenge of integrating relocated populations into new environments.

More About SIDS and Climate Change:

1. Vulnerability: SIDS are particularly vulnerable to climate change because they often have low elevations and limited land area. This makes them highly susceptible to the impacts of sea level rise, storm surges, and extreme weather events.
2. Economic and Social Impact: The economic systems of many SIDS rely heavily on tourism, fishing, and agriculture, all of which are threatened by climate change. Socially, the loss of land and cultural heritage can have profound effects on these communities.
3. International Response: The global community has recognized the challenges faced by SIDS, and there are international frameworks like the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (S.A.M.O.A) Pathway aimed at providing support and solutions. However, on-the-ground realities often outpace these efforts.
4. Adaptation and Mitigation: Adaptation measures, such as relocation, are crucial but also complex and costly. Mitigation efforts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience, are equally important to address the root causes of climate change.

The evacuation of the Guna families is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change and highlights the severe consequences that are already being faced by some of the world's most vulnerable populations.

What is Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of countries characterized by their unique sustainable development challenges and vulnerabilities.

Key Characteristics of SIDS:

1. Geographic and Environmental Features:
   • Small Size: Many SIDS are small in land area and population.
   • Isolation: Many are isolated from major landmasses, which can limit economic opportunities and access to resources.
   • Vulnerability: They face heightened risks from environmental threats like climate change, sea-level rise, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and typhoons.
   • Limited Resources: SIDS often have limited natural resources and may rely heavily on imports for essential goods and services.
2. Economic and Social Challenges:
   • Economic Dependence: Many SIDS rely heavily on tourism, agriculture, or fishing, making them vulnerable to economic shocks and fluctuations in global markets.
   • Infrastructure and Services: Limited infrastructure and resources can impact access to education, healthcare, and other critical services.
   • Development Constraints: Their small size and geographic isolation can complicate development efforts and increase the costs of goods and services.
3. Common Regional Contexts:
   • Caribbean: Includes countries like Barbados, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
   • Pacific: Includes nations such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
   • Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS): Includes nations like Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives. It also encompasses territories in these regions such as Suriname and Guyana.
4. Historical Recognition:
   • 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development: SIDS were officially recognized as a special case due to their unique environmental and developmental challenges. This recognition led to the development of specific strategies and programs to address their needs.
5. Examples of SIDS:
   • Indian Ocean: Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius.
   • Pacific Ocean: Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands.
   • Caribbean: Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia.
   • Atlantic and South China Sea: Suriname, Guyana, Singapore.

Key Issues Faced by SIDS:

• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events pose significant threats.
• Economic Fragility: Heavy reliance on tourism and limited diversification can make economies vulnerable.
• Resource Management: Limited resources can strain sustainability efforts and hinder development.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Building and maintaining infrastructure can be costly and challenging due to geographic isolation.

How climate change impacts SIDS in various ways

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face a unique and severe set of challenges due to climate change, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. Here's a closer look at how climate change impacts SIDS in various ways:

1. Extreme Weather Events

SIDS are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events like hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. These events can cause significant destruction, displacing communities, damaging infrastructure, and exacerbating economic vulnerabilities. For example, the frequency and intensity of these storms are increasing, causing more frequent and severe damage.

2. Sea Level Rise

Rising sea levels pose an existential threat to many SIDS. Coastal erosion and the risk of submergence are significant concerns. For instance, it's projected that by 2050, much of Tuvalu’s capital will be inundated by tidal waters. This can lead to forced displacement of populations, loss of land, and damage to infrastructure.

3. Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification, driven by increased CO2 levels, affects marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. Coral reefs are vital for biodiversity, coastal protection, and tourism. The decline in reef health can harm fish populations and, by extension, the fisheries and tourism industries that many SIDS depend on. From 1970 to 2020, SIDS incurred substantial economic losses from weather extremes, amounting to $153 billion—an amount significantly large relative to their average GDP.

4. High Temperatures

Increased temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can have direct health impacts and strain water and energy resources. Heatwaves can exacerbate existing health issues and lead to increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.

5. Climate Variability

Changes in climate variability affect rainfall patterns, leading to altered precipitation regimes, droughts, and flooding. This variability impacts agriculture, water supply, and overall food security. Extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones and floods can damage crops and infrastructure, further stressing agricultural systems.

6. Displacement and Cultural Impact

Coastal erosion and potential submergence threaten not only physical land but also cultural heritage and traditional ways of life. Indigenous populations in SIDS face the threat of losing their cultural roots, traditional livelihoods, and ways of living due to displacement and changing environments.

7. Economic Impact

SIDS face economic challenges due to climate change-related impacts. For example, ocean acidification and coral reef degradation affect tourism and fisheries, which are vital economic sectors for these islands. Despite their significant losses, SIDS have limited financial resources and technological means to address these challenges. In 2019, SIDS accessed only $1.5 billion of the $100 billion pledged for climate finance, highlighting a gap in support.

8. Health Impacts

Heatwaves and increased outbreaks of vector-borne diseases (like dengue fever and malaria) pose health risks. The combination of higher temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can expand the range of disease vectors and increase the incidence of diseases.

9. Access to Drinking Water

Sea-level rise threatens freshwater resources through saltwater intrusion into aquifers, which is a critical issue for SIDS heavily dependent on groundwater. For instance, the Bahamas, which relies almost entirely on groundwater, faces significant risks to its freshwater supply.

10. Agriculture and Food Security

Climate change impacts agricultural productivity through heat stress, altered soil moisture, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like cyclones and droughts. These changes affect food security and the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture.

Climate Injustice

SIDS contribute less than 1% of global emissions but are among the most affected by climate change. This disparity highlights the issue of climate injustice, where those least responsible for the crisis suffer the most severe consequences. The lack of adequate financial and technological support exacerbates this issue.

Global measures and initiatives

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

• Role: AOSIS is a coalition of small island and low-lying coastal countries that advocate for their specific needs in international environmental policy. The organization plays a crucial role in representing SIDS in global climate negotiations and policy discussions.

Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (1994)

• Barbados Programme of Action: This was a pivotal conference focused on addressing the vulnerabilities of SIDS to climate change, including issues like sea-level rise and climate variability. The Barbados Programme of Action outlined specific strategies for improving resilience and sustainable development in these regions.

UNDP Initiatives

1. Climate Promise Initiative: This initiative assists SIDS in enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming to strengthen their climate action plans and commitments.
2. Progressive Platforms Initiative: This program focuses on building the diplomatic, legal, and technical capacities of SIDS to improve their participation and effectiveness in international climate negotiations.

Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway

• Purpose: Adopted in 2014 at the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, the SAMOA Pathway aims to address the specific challenges faced by SIDS, including economic, environmental, and social vulnerabilities. It provides a framework for international support and cooperation to enhance their sustainable development.

2023 UN Resolution on Climate Justice

• Objective: This resolution seeks to obtain a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states concerning climate change. The aim is to clarify and reinforce international legal responsibilities in relation to climate action and justice.

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Advisory Opinion

• Focus: ITLOS is expected to provide an advisory opinion on the obligations of parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning climate change mitigation. This opinion will help define how international maritime law intersects with climate action and the responsibilities of states.

These global measures and initiatives are designed to support SIDS in their efforts to address and adapt to climate change, ensuring that their specific challenges are recognized and addressed in international policy frameworks

Related context

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) recently announced an $8 million funding boost through its Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) Programme to enhance disaster resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This announcement was made at the United Nations 4th International Conference on SIDS in Antigua and Barbuda.

The IRIS Programme has been recognized with the 2024 UN SIDS Partnership Award for its significant contributions to sustainable development through innovative partnerships. The programme was launched at COP26 during the World Leaders Summit and is supported by a coalition including Australia, the European Union, India, the United Kingdom, and representatives from SIDS.

Additionally, the IRIS Programme benefits from the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF), a $50 million trust fund established in 2022 with support from UNDP and UNDRR. IRAF focuses on disaster resilience for infrastructure systems, particularly in developing countries and SIDS.

CDRI itself was established by the Indian Prime Minister during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019, with its secretariat based in New Delhi. The coalition's mission is to enhance infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster risks, thus supporting sustainable development

Way Ahead

1. Enhancing Adaptive Capacities

• Integration of Risk Reduction Strategies: Incorporate climate risk reduction into broader sectoral policies. This includes integrating climate considerations into:
  • Sustainable Development Planning: Ensure that development projects account for climate risks and aim to promote resilience.
  • Disaster Prevention and Management: Develop strategies that not only respond to disasters but also reduce the risks and impacts of future events.
  • Integrated Coastal Management: Address coastal erosion, flooding, and other climate impacts through comprehensive management plans.
  • Health Care Planning: Incorporate climate change projections into health planning to address potential impacts on public health.

2. Improve Data Collection and Technical Capacity

• Climate Change Impact and Vulnerability Assessments: Conduct regular assessments to understand the specific impacts of climate change on different regions and sectors. This information is crucial for:
  • Efficient Design and Planning: Develop targeted adaptation policies and strategies based on accurate and comprehensive data.
  • Building Technical Capacity: Strengthen the skills and resources needed for effective climate impact analysis and planning.

3. International Financing

• Need for External Support: Due to the high costs associated with adaptation and mitigation efforts, international financial assistance is crucial. This includes:
  • Research Funding: Support for research into traditional, natural, and innovative adaptation techniques.
  • Bridgetown Initiative (2022): Aimed at addressing the immediate needs of countries facing debt distress, this initiative proposes an SDG Stimulus package to provide financial support and facilitate adaptation and mitigation efforts.