Small island developing States are prone to extremely damaging natural disasters, primarily in the form of hurricanes, cyclones, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts and earthquakes. In some islands, the range of these disasters includes storm surges, landslides, extended droughts and extensive floods. Due to climate change, some natural disasters, including drought, are perceived to be occurring with increasing frequency and intensity. Natural disasters are of special concern to small...
Small island developing States are particularly vulnerable to climate change, climate variability and sea-level rise. As their population, agricultural land and infrastructure tend to be concentrated in the coastal zone, any rise in sea-level will have significant and profound effects on their economies and living conditions. For some low-lying SIDS, their very survival is threatened. Global climate change may damage coral reefs, alter the distribution of zones of upwelling and affect...
Small island developing States are renowned for their species diversity and endemism. However, due to the small size, isolation and fragility of island ecosystems, their biological diversity is among the most threatened in the world. Deforestation, coral reef deterioration, habitat degradation and loss, and the introduction of certain non-indigenous species are the most significant causes of the loss of biodiversity in small island developing States. Some of the most precious biological...