Climate Change Adaptation On Small Islands: Towards An Effective And Sustainable Fijian Approach

Abstract

Small islands are referred to as climate change hotspots. Here, the detrimental effects of sea-level rise, rising heat, and fluctuating weather patterns are now being felt, highlighting the urgency of adaptation. While small islands are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of climate change, they are also disproportionately resilient. Not only are small islands at the epicenter of climate change impacts, but they are also at the epicenter of climate change responses. Island people have an extensive history of resiliency, enduring in resource-constrained, vibrant, and remote settings, if not thriving. Fiji's way of life has included resilience to environmental and climate hazards for centuries. Fiji is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations. Even if global warming is limited to 1.5 ⁰C, Fiji will suffer severe harmful climate change consequences. As the effects of climate change deteriorate, Fiji will see an increase in life-threatening events such as flooding and famines, as well as more powerful cyclones. This chapter will highlight the Fijian response to sustainable climate change adaptation and mitigation. It will highlight the adaptation approaches that have been implemented in response to the impacts of climate change and the extent to which these adaptations have been deemed successful.