In: Economics
Why would fiji a small island nation be interested in researching about climate change
“Unless the world acts decisively to begin addressing the greatest challenge of our age, then the Pacific, as we know it, is doomed,” – Frank Bainimarama, COP23 President and Fijian Prime Minister.
Fiji, a small island nation in Southern Pacific, is researching about climate change because it has experienced some of the most devastating consequences of extreme weather patterns.
According to Fiji’s National Climate Change Policy, global sea level changes will more than double by the end of the century. Since 1993, Fiji has recorded a 6 millimetre (0.2 inch) increase in its sea level per year, larger than the global average. The rapid rise in sea levels and the resulting saltwater intrusion that stems from the increased ferocity of coastal floods have made portions of the island nation uninhabitable.
If Fiji wants to be a survivable place in the future, it must
counter the impacts of climate change. Fiji is Home to around one
million people and comprises of 310+ islands
and atolls, consisting of both habitable and inhabitable ones.
Strong El Niño patterns and sea level coupled with warmer temperatures have increased the island’s susceptibility to deadly food and water borne diseases. Number of warmer days has increased across Fiji's two main islands since 1942.