Climate change in the African small island developing states: from vulnerability to resilience - the paradox of the small

Abstract

Small Island Developing States are Small Island or low-lying coastal countries located in tropical and subtropical regions. The States will continue to be threatened in the twenty-first century by rising sea levels, tropical and extra tropical cyclones, rising air and sea surface temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Because of the low elevation of many island coastlines and atolls, rising sea levels are considered the most significant threat to those States. While considerable attention has been given to the biophysical impact of climate change on SIDS, there has not been sufficient focus on how climate change could exacerbate social vulnerability. This paper highlights the key climate and development challenges faced by African SIDS. It underscores the uniqueness of these challenges and outlines how climate change also provides opportunities for spurring development in Africa.