Pacific Island Nations: Disaster Risk Reduction Governance in a Changing Climate
NATALIE YODER
Amidst the tranquil waters and picturesque beaches of the Pacific Islands, a pressing challenge emerges: how to effectively govern and mitigate the risks of natural disasters amplified by climate change. The region, consisting of small island nations like Fiji, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, is not only blessed with stunning landscapes, but is also burdened by the formidable forces of nature. These islands are particularly vulnerable to a wide array of natural disasters, from tropical cyclones and earthquakes to tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, which can wreak havoc on their fragile ecosystems. These threats have only been intensified by the rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, and increased frequency of natural disasters caused by climate change. To address these challenges and create a more resilient future, effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) governance has become more pressing than ever.
Challenges and Vulnerabilities
The Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) consist of twenty countries in the Pacific Ocean region located at sea level around the equator, putting them at particularly high risk for natural disasters1. Additionally, many PSIDS are located in the Ring of Fire and the South Pacific tropical cyclone belt2. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by poverty, population growth, and rapid urbanization, and their small populations and economies make them less able to prepare for and recover from the substantial negative impacts of natural disasters3. The average annual losses from these disasters in the Pacific region totals $284 million, highlighting the threat that they pose to the success of PSIDS2.
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is a collection of strategies and policies aimed at reducing the risk of damage from natural disasters. This could look like creating more stable infrastructure to withstand heavy winds or improving existing communication systems to keep residents more informed of updated weather information. DRR is critical to achieving sustainable growth in the Pacific Ocean region, but poor political leadership, weak coordination between institutions, and short project time frames have led to fragmented efforts and a lack of necessary collaboration4. Part of the reason DRR has been limited in the past is because of the high cost of essential services and infrastructure and limited access to outside humanitarian aid due to the physical remoteness of PSIDS1.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change means a higher risk of natural disaster occurrences, increased severity of disaster impacts, and greater resource losses for PSIDS1. As a result, there are increased economic and environmental consequences. For example, many PSIDS depend on tourism for the majority of their revenue. When natural disasters hit, they are often forced to close their doors to tourists for extended periods of time, resulting in significant revenue loss and economic instability5.
Agriculture and fishing, essential to the livelihoods of many Pacific Islanders, also bear the full force of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Tropical cyclones and tsunamis can leave previously arable land unsuitable for farming, leaving communities struggling to feed themselves and generate income. Additionally, shifting fish populations disrupt traditional fishing practices and threaten the primary source of protein and livelihood for many islanders.
In terms of the environment, the fragile ecosystems of PSIDS are increasingly at risk, as more frequent and severe natural disasters are wiping out coral reefs, destroying marine biodiversity in the process5. Such ecosystems are found nowhere else on Earth, and as they deteriorate, it highlights the urgency of DRR measures in preserving not only the economic but also the environmental sustainability of the Pacific Islands as climate change continues to persist.
Case Studies of Recent Disasters
Tropical Cyclone Winston, a category five storm, touched down on Fiji on February 7, 2016, and ended up causing damage equalling 38% of the islands’ GDP6. The intensity of this natural disaster was enhanced by warming surface temperatures in the South Pacific as a result of climate change. Electrical power was lost for 80% of Fiji’s 900,000 residents, and communication was disrupted for days. Furthermore, more than 250,000 residents required water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance, and 26,000 homes were either severely damaged or destroyed.
A similarly catastrophic volcanic eruption and resulting tsunami occurred in Tonga in 2022, generating an estimated $90.4 million worth of damage, the equivalent of 18.5% of the country’s GDP7. Tonga’s tourism and agricultural sectors took particularly hard hits. Many hotels and retail buildings were destroyed, and 85% of agricultural households were affected to some extent. The country is still rebuilding and recovering to this day. The devastation caused by these natural disasters serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for effective DRR to play the dual role of mitigating the severity of negative impacts and aiding in the recovery process.
Strategies and Best Practices
Technological innovation and infrastructure development collectively form a comprehensive approach to enhancing DRR. PSIDS have successfully started to increase the scale and efficiency of their investments, moving away from small, fragmented projects to national initiatives that deliver long-term results. By implementing these measures, island communities can mitigate the risk and impact of natural disasters.
Emergency Communication Systems. The continuous improvement of emergency communication systems is essential to ensuring the safety of island residents. In areas with limited connectivity, innovative technology called chatty beetles has started to play a crucial role in DRR to help with communication3. These portable satellite terminals are designed to withstand harsh conditions and enable residents to receive text-based early warning alerts, even in remote locations. The 2022 volcanic eruption in Tonga mentioned above proved chatty beetles invaluable as communication was disrupted by a broken underwater cable. They not only notified key agencies about communication network failure but also provided updated weather information to islanders.
Infrastructure Development. PSIDS are investing in critical infrastructure to improve their resilience against natural disasters. Initiatives include building new marinas and seawalls, which act as protective barriers against coastal flooding and storm surges9. Simultaneously, investments in renewable energy not only reduce the islands’ carbon footprint but also ensure continual power supply during disasters. In terms of housing specifically, nations are starting to implement stricter building codes. For example, tropical cyclone-resistant housing designs emphasize tying down the roof, walls, floor, and stilts to the foundation and ensuring strong joints to prevent roofs from being lifted or houses from being knocked over by strong winds10. In earthquake-prone areas, building designs focus on symmetry and simple rectangular shapes, minimizing vulnerabilities to seismic activity. These architectural approaches significantly add to the structural integrity of homes and reduce the risk of damage during natural disasters.
Transportation Routes. Ensuring reliable transportation routes is crucial for evacuation and transporting relief supplies in the event of natural disasters. Projects such as Fiji’s Infrastructure Investment Sector Project and Vanuatu’s Cyclone Pam Road Reconstruction Project aim to rehabilitate roads, bridges, and maritime infrastructure as a way to improve inter-island navigation and strengthen resilience to severe weather11.
PSIDS face a growing threat from climate-induced natural disasters, underscoring the importance of effective DRR governance. The vulnerabilities stemming from geographic location, small populations, and economic dependence on tourism and agriculture make these nations particularly susceptible. However, by embracing innovative technologies, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable practices, these island communities can increase their resilience against the escalating problems posed by natural disasters in a changing climate. Moving forward, further research and international cooperation will be pivotal in securing the future of PSIDS and preserving their unique environments and vibrant culture.