Small island states

A wide ranging, comprehensive, and multi-disciplinary study, this is the first book that focuses on the challenges posed by climate change impacts on the all small island developing states, not just those in a specific region. As the global effects of climate change become increasingly evident and urgent, it is clear that the impact on small islands is going to be particularly severe. Small island developing states emit only small amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

While Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have bountiful supplies of renewable resources and an island culture that is iconic of paradise, the challenges ahead are daunting. While the future cannot be predicted, the development of plausible futures built on combinations of realistic outlooks can offer a basis for policy choices. This report shows that there is much that SIDS can do proactively to anticipate environmental problems and their economic consequences or even avoid

Dozens of experts were invited to provide their perspectives on critical issues relating to climate change and water in the form of a Perspective Document. The initiative resulted in the serise of papers presented here. As a Series, the documents aim to define and distil the critical role of water in climate change adaptation and to lay out strategic and operational priorities for adaptation of water management and services.