Tuvakov P.A., Nedrova A.A., Hummedova M.
THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE FOR SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS): VULNERABILITIES, ADAPTATION, AND RESILIENCE STRATEGIES *
Аннотация:
this article examines the profound economic implications of climate change for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, despite contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis explores how rising sea levels, extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and changes in rainfall patterns threaten critical economic sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and agriculture. It details the direct and indirect costs, including infrastructure damage, loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, and increased public debt due to recovery and adaptation efforts. The article also highlights the unique challenges faced by SIDS, such as limited land mass, small economies, and high dependence on climate-sensitive sectors. Furthermore, it discusses various adaptation and resilience strategies, including investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, diversifying economies, fostering regional cooperation, and securing international climate finance.
Ключевые слова:
climate change, SIDS, economic vulnerability, adaptation, resilience, climate finance, sustainable development, tourism, fisheries, agriculture
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a group of geographically dispersed, low-lying coastal countries that share common characteristics such as small size, limited resources, remote locations, and high susceptibility to external shocks. Despite their minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, SIDS are at the forefront of experiencing the devastating economic consequences of climate change. Their unique geographical and socio-economic attributes render them exceptionally vulnerable to phenomena like sea-level rise, increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and altered precipitation patterns.The economic stability and long-term development prospects of SIDS are intrinsically linked to their natural environment and climate-sensitive sectors. Tourism, fisheries, and agriculture often form the backbone of their economies, making them highly exposed to climate-induced disruptions. Understanding the multifaceted economic implications of climate change for these nations is crucial for formulating effective adaptation and resilience strategies, and for mobilizing the necessary international support.This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic implications of climate change for SIDS. It will explore the primary channels through which climate change impacts their economies, highlight the specific vulnerabilities they face, and discuss the various strategies being implemented or considered to enhance their resilience and ensure sustainable development in a warming world.The economic vulnerabilities of SIDS to climate change stem from a combination of inherent geographical characteristics and economic structures:Geographical Exposure: Many SIDS are low-lying atolls and islands, making them acutely susceptible to sea-level rise, which threatens coastal infrastructure, freshwater sources, and agricultural land. The increased intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones and hurricanes cause widespread destruction, impacting housing, utilities, transportation networks, and vital economic assets.Reliance on Climate-Sensitive Sectors: Tourism: For many SIDS, tourism is the dominant economic driver, generating significant foreign exchange and employment. Climate change impacts, such as coral bleaching (affecting diving and snorkeling), coastal erosion (damaging beaches and resorts), and extreme weather events (disrupting travel and damaging infrastructure), directly undermine this sector.Fisheries: Ocean warming and ocean acidification lead to shifts in fish populations, coral reef degradation, and reduced marine biodiversity, threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities and the food security reliant on fishing.Agriculture: Changes in rainfall patterns, increased droughts, and salinization of arable land severely impact agricultural productivity, threatening food security and rural incomes.Limited Resources and Small Economies: SIDS generally have small land masses, limited natural resources, and small domestic markets, making them highly dependent on international trade and vulnerable to external shocks. Their small economies also limit their capacity to self-finance large-scale adaptation and recovery efforts.High Public Debt and Fiscal Constraints: Repeated climate disasters necessitate significant investments in recovery and reconstruction, often financed through borrowing, which exacerbates public debt. This constrains fiscal space for essential public services and long-term development initiatives.Infrastructure Damage and Disruption: Climate-related events cause extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, roads, power grids, and water systems. This disrupts supply chains, hampers economic activity, and incurs enormous repair costs.Loss of Ecosystem Services: Beyond direct economic sectors, climate change degrades critical ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, coral reefs) that provide essential services like coastal protection, biodiversity support, and water purification, leading to further economic losses.The economic costs of climate change for SIDS are both direct and indirect, often leading to a vicious cycle of damage, recovery, and increased vulnerability:Direct Costs: These include the tangible expenses of repairing damaged infrastructure, rebuilding homes, and replacing lost assets after extreme weather events. For instance, the cost of reconstruction after a major hurricane can sometimes exceed a SIDSs annual GDP.Indirect Costs: Productivity Losses: Disruptions to economic activity due to damaged infrastructure, displaced populations, and health impacts lead to significant declines in productivity.Loss of Livelihoods: Destruction of crops, fishing grounds, and tourism facilities results in job losses and reduced income for communities.Food Insecurity: Reduced agricultural and fisheries output can lead to increased reliance on expensive food imports, exacerbating food insecurity and impacting household budgets.Health Impacts: Climate change contributes to the spread of vector-borne diseases and heat stress, impacting public health and labor productivity.Population Displacement: In extreme scenarios, entire communities or even nations may face the prospect of climate-induced migration, incurring social and economic costs.Increased Insurance Premiums: Businesses and homeowners in vulnerable areas face skyrocketing insurance premiums, further burdening their finances.Despite the daunting challenges, SIDS are actively pursuing and requiring support for various strategies to build resilience and adapt to climate change:Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: This includes building stronger coastal defenses (seawalls, mangroves), designing cyclone-resistant buildings, improving drainage systems, and developing climate-smart transportation and energy infrastructure.Economic Diversification: Reducing over-reliance on climate-sensitive sectors by developing new industries (e.g., renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, niche manufacturing, digital services) can buffer economies against climate shocks.Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA): Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and wetlands provides natural coastal protection, supports biodiversity, and enhances climate resilience at lower costs than engineered solutions.Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening meteorological services, developing effective early warning systems, and investing in disaster preparedness and response capabilities can significantly reduce human and economic losses.Securing Climate Finance: Accessing international climate finance, including grants, concessional loans, and innovative financing mechanisms (e.g., debt-for-climate swaps), is crucial for SIDS to fund adaptation and mitigation efforts. Advocating for a dedicated "Loss and Damage" fund is also a priority.
Номер журнала Вестник науки №6 (87) том 1
Ссылка для цитирования:
Tuvakov P.A., Nedrova A.A., Hummedova M. THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE FOR SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS): VULNERABILITIES, ADAPTATION, AND RESILIENCE STRATEGIES // Вестник науки №6 (87) том 1. С. 43 - 48. 2025 г. ISSN 2712-8849 // Электронный ресурс: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/23579 (дата обращения: 20.07.2025 г.)
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