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Climate Change Adaptation on Small Island States: An Assessment of Limits and Constraints

Leal Filho, Walter
; 
Krishnapillai, Murukesan
; 
Sidsaph, Henry
; 
Nagy, Gustavo J.
; 
Luetz, Johannes M.
; 
Dyer, Jack
; 
Otoara Ha’apio, Michael
; 
Havea, Peni Hausia
; 
Raj, Kushaal
; 
Singh, Priyatma
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Affiliation
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences; Manchester Metropolitan University; College of Micronesia-FSM; University of Chester; Universidad de la República, Montevideo; University of New South Wales; University of the Sunshine Coast; University of Tasmania; Solomon Islands National University; Live and Learn Tonga; The Ministry of Economy, Fiji; The University of Fiji; Coventry University; East China Normal University; The University of Trinidad and Tobago; Addis Ababa University; Ghent University; Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
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2021-05-31
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Chester Business School
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Abstract
Small Island States (SIDS) are among the nations most exposed to climate change (CC) and are characterised by a high degree of vulnerability. Their unique nature means there is a need for more studies focused on the limits to CC adaptation on such fragile nations, particularly regarding their problems and constraints. This paper addressed a perceived need for research into the limitations of adaptation on SIDS, focusing on the many unique restrictions. To this end, the study identified and described the adaptation limits they have by using a review of the literature and an analysis of case studies from a sample of five SIDS in the Caribbean and Pacific regions (Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga). This research’s findings showed that an adaptable SIDS is characterised by awareness of various values, appreciation and understanding of a diversity of impacts and vulnerabilities, and acceptance of certain losses through change. The implications of this paper are two-fold. It explains why island nations continue to suffer from the impacts of CC and suggest some of the means via which adequate policies may support SIDS in their efforts to cope with the threats associated with a changing climate. This study concluded that, despite the technological and ecological limits (hard limits) affecting natural systems, adaptation to CC is limited by such complex forces and societal factors (soft limits) that more adequate adaptation strategies could overcome.
Citation
Leal Filho, W., Krishnapillai, M., Sidsaph, H., Nagy, G. J., Luetz, J. M., Dyer, J., Otoara Ha’apio, M., Havea, P. H., Raj, K., Singh, P., Rogers, T., Li, C., Boodhan, M. K., Wolf, F., Yayeh Ayal, D., & Azadi, H. (2021). Climate change adaptation on small island states: An assessment of limits and constraints. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 9(6), e602. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9060602
Publisher
MDPI
Journal
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10034/624808
DOI
10.3390/jmse9060602
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Article
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2077-1312
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https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/9/6/602