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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Climate Change Adaptation on Small Island States: An Assessment of Limits and Constraints
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Vol.9(6), pp.1-22
2021
Abstract
Small Island States (SIDS) are among the nations most exposed to climate change (CC) and are characterised by a high degree of vulnerability. Their unique nature means there is a need for more studies focused on the limits to CC adaptation on such fragile nations, particularly regarding their problems and constraints. This paper addressed a perceived need for research into the limitations of adaptation on SIDS, focusing on the many unique restrictions. To this end, the study identified and described the adaptation limits they have by using a review of the literature and an analysis of case studies from a sample of five SIDS in the Caribbean and Pacific regions (Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga). This research’s findings showed that an adaptable SIDS is characterised by awareness of various values, appreciation and understanding of a diversity of impacts and vulnerabilities, and acceptance of certain losses through change. The implications of this paper are two-fold. It explains why island nations continue to suffer from the impacts of CC and suggest some of the means via which adequate policies may support SIDS in their efforts to cope with the threats associated with a changing climate. This study concluded that, despite the technological and ecological limits (hard limits) affecting natural systems, adaptation to CC is limited by such complex forces and societal factors (soft limits) that more adequate adaptation strategies could overcome.
Details
- Title
- Climate Change Adaptation on Small Island States: An Assessment of Limits and Constraints
- Authors
- Walter Leal Filho (Author) - HAW HamburgMurukesan Krishnapillai (Author) - College of Micronesia-FSMHenry Sidsaph (Author) - University of ChesterGustavo J Nagy (Author) - Universidad de la República de UruguayJohannes M Luetz (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyJack Dyer (Author) - University of TasmaniaMichael Otoara Ha’apio (Author) - Solomon Islands National UniversityPeni Hausia Havea (Author)Kushaal Raj (Author)Priyatma Singh (Author) - University of FijiTom Rogers (Author) - Coventry UniversityChunlan Li (Author) - East China Normal UniversityMonica K Boodhan (Author) - University of Trinidad and TobagoFranziska Wolf (Author) - HAW HamburgDesalegn Yayeh Ayal (Author) - Addis Ababa UniversityHossein Azadi (Author) - Ghent University
- Publication details
- Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Vol.9(6), pp.1-22
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.3390/jmse9060602
- ISSN
- 2077-1312
- Copyright note
- Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99548406902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Engineering, Marine
- Engineering, Ocean
- Oceanography
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