How Do Small Nations Respond To Hazards

Question 1

Why are the Pacific Islands vulnerable?

Answer 1

• Low lying
• Rely on marine resources/economy

Question 2

What are the key threats to the Pacific Islands?

Answer 2

• Rising sea levels
• Natural disasters (threat to agriculture and infrastructure)
• Ocean acidification (coral reefs and fisheries at risk - economy, food security)

Question 3

Why are the Maldives vulnerable?

Answer 3

• Experiencing coastal erosion
• Saltwater contamination
• Community displacement
• Environmental changes pose a threat to fishing and tourist industry

Question 4

The Maldives: why is Kiribati vulnerable?

Answer 4

• Average elevation of 2m

Question 5

What did the Kiribati government do (and when) to prepare for eustatic sea level rise?

Answer 5

2014 - bought land in Fiji as a relocation site for citizens

Question 6

Why is Tuvalu vulnerable?

Answer 6

• One of the smallest countries: population of 11,000
• Sea level rising has caused salt contamination
• Food and water security under threat

Question 7

How much influence do small nations have on global climate negotiations?

Answer 7

Very little - the USA, China and EU dominate negotiations. Smaller nations can only voice concerns and propose solutions.

Question 8

Why do smaller nations have such little impact on climate negotiations?

Answer 8

Limited economic power - underrepresented countries cannot force larger nations to adopt policies. They rely on diplomatic alliances. They often rely on moral arguments.

Question 9

Why is it an issue that small nations have little impact on climate negotiations?

Answer 9

They are increasingly vulnerable to it - low-lying areas and reliance on aquaculture (e.g., Tacloban)
The Paris Agreement 1.5 Celsius target is crucial.

Question 10

How are small nations advocating for climate change reduction?

Answer 10

• The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) - secure climate finance for adaptation, and loss-and-damage compensation.
• Tuvalu and Kiribati - global summit advocates
• Maldives - 2009 “Climate Crisis” speech - UN conference

Question 11

How are small nations encouraging regional/small scale cooperation?

Answer 11

• Pacific Climate Change Portal: universal access to climate data and adaption tools.
• Fiji is leading a coalition of small islands to promote ‘climate resilience’ strategies: water conservation, relocation of people
• Tuvalu: ‘Climate Change and Migration’ - advocate for global climate refugee rights

Question 12

Why is climate justice so important in global governance?

Answer 12

It raises awareness of localised tipping points - can help prepare/adapt.