The Pacific and Caribbean regions: Cooperation in action Addressing climate change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Oceans cover 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface and contain about 97 per cent of the Earth’s water. They support unique habitats and are connected with the global cycles of water, energy and carbon. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) recent report on oceans (External link) states that the oceans' response to global climate change threatens human communities living in coastal environments and small islands, which are home to 65 million people.

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Destroyed buildings after a hurricane in the island nation of Dominica

Small Island Developing States, such as the Pacific Island Countries or Eastern Caribbean Countries (ECC), are among those affected earliest and most by the effects of climate change, despite their contributing to less than 1 per cent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Sea-level rise coupled with more frequent and intensive extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones, directly affect the food security, livelihoods, health and well-being of the local populations. In the Eastern Caribbean, the 2017 hurricane season brought devastation, for example through Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The island of Dominica experienced significant loss of human lives and damage amounting to more than 226 per cent of its 2016 GDP. Hurricane Maria damaged the roofs of 98 per cent of the island's buildings and completely devastated the agricultural sector, a vital source of income for the country.

Compelled by the idea that more can be achieved if Small Island States work together, regional initiatives in both the Pacific and Caribbean regions enable their member states to better respond to the challenges of climate change.