Climate Change in the Pacific Stepping Up Responses in the Face of Rising Impacts Contents

1 Foreword 2 Issues, Impacts, and Responses 4 Projected Impacts of Climate Change 12 ADB in Action 14 Climate Change Solutions at the Regional and Country Levels Regional Responses Country-Specific Responses Way Forward

For more information about the Pacific Climate Change Program, contact:

Akm Mahfuzuddin Ahmed Robert Dobias Climate Change Focal Point Senior Adviser, Climate Change Program Coordination Unit Pacific Department Regional and Sustainable Development Department [email protected] [email protected]

Photo credits: 8-9, 25, Miquel Armengol; 30, 33, Luis Enrique Ascui; 24, Warwick Biggs; Front cover, Jahzeel Cruz; 32, Peter Forster; 6, 28, 29, Robert Guild; ii, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12–13, 14–15, 16–17, 19, 21–22, 27, Prof. John E. Hay; 20, Cher Havrilov; 31, Stefan Lins; 23, Gabrielle Elga Reyes; 7, 10, 26, Eric Sales

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. Accounts presented here are anecdotal and do not represent comprehensive impacts of projects or programs. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this publication, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. ADB encourages printing or copying information exclusively for personal and noncommercial use with proper acknowledgment of ADB. Users are restricted from reselling, redistributing, or creating derivative works for commercial purposes without the express, written consent of ADB. Note: In this publication, “$” refers to US dollars. FoRewoRd

he Pacific developing member countries climate proofing and other adaptation measures of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in priority sectors and projects. face dire and immediate consequences— from sea-level rise and more frequent This booklet identifies significant challenges andT stronger storms to the changing distribution for the Pacific, but it also highlights how of disease vectors—as a result of climate partnerships and innovative forms of financing change. These consequences are markedly and investment can help countries reduce their disproportionate to their contribution to global vulnerability to climate change and pursue a greenhouse gas emissions and threaten to more food and energy secure future. It describes compromise their prosperity, stability, and security. how ADB is supporting the efforts of member countries to incorporate resilience building In response, ADB’s Pacific Department has measures in their development plans, and been conducting regional adaptation projects become better prepared to cope with extremes since 2003. In 2009, ADB, in consultation with and variability. It also highlights the potential of the national governments and other regional regional initiatives such as the Pilot Programme stakeholders in the Pacific, prepared a Pacific for Climate Resilience of the Climate Investment Climate Change Implementation Plan, a Funds and the Pacific Islands Forum to coordinate comprehensive adaptation and mitigation agenda and finance climate responses. in key sectors calling for the dramatic scaling up of climate change adaptation efforts, coordinated This booklet was produced by the Pacific and harmonized responses by development Department with support from the Regional and partners, and institutional capacity development. Sustainable Development Department and the Department of External Relations. I express my ADB’s Pacific region has conducted a full appreciation to our developing member country assessment of its ongoing portfolio, and is the partners in the Pacific, who are working closely first of ADB’s five regions to develop a plan with ADB to respond to climate change and to “climate-proof” all vulnerable investment development challenges. projects. Needs for 2010–2012 are estimated at $232 million, to provide both technical assistance We will continue to strengthen these

for policy development, planning and capacity partnerships and pursue policy and financial Foreword building, and investment design; as well as commitments needed to meet urgent project grants and concessional lending for development needs in the Pacific. 1

Robert Wihtol Director General Pacific Department Issues, Impacts, and Responses

he Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest damage to infrastructure, water resources, and

Climate Change in the Pacific geographical feature, covering a third of human health, will result in significant economic the earth’s surface. Spread across its vast losses, and might cause large-scale migration, 2 expanse is a diverse array of countries both internally and across national boundaries. withT widely varying topographies, cultures, and economies, but who all share the same critical In consultation with the 14 Pacific developing challenges and vulnerabilities. They face dire member countries, ADB has developed the Pacific and immediate consequences from the impacts Climate Change Implementation Plan and a of climate change—from sea-level rise and supporting action program, the Pacific Climate stronger storms to the changing distribution Change Program (PCCP). Both programs are of disease vectors—that are markedly geared toward improving development partner disproportionate to their miniscule contributions response and making funding readily accessible to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. for Pacific developing member countries to take Their geographic isolation, small and scattered measures to respond to climate change. ADB is populations, fragile environments, and limited one of the few donors in the region providing a resources severely restrict their capacity to adapt combination of technical assistance, grants, and to climate change’s impacts. Climate change can loans, and that acts as an implementing agency of prevent Pacific developing member countries the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which funds from attaining their Millennium Development activities that promote global environmental Goals and poses a threat to peace, prosperity, and benefits while strengthening local environmental security. The adverse effects on food production management. ADB also provides access to the and land and marine resource use, as well as Climate Investment Funds (CIF). A Pacific regional program supported by ADB, is one of the first to • expanding the use of clean and be developed under the Pilot Program for Climate renewable energy; Resilience of the Strategic Climate Fund, which • encouraging sustainable transport and is one of two funds within the design of the CIF. urban development; ADB’s unique position allows it to analyze major • promoting climate-resilient development, problems at all levels, identify solutions based on especially in the agriculture and water- particular conditions of vital sectors, and package dependent sectors; the necessary technical and financial assistance. • strengthening policies, governance, and capacities; and Consistent with ADB’s Strategy 2020 to • managing land use and forests for incorporate environmental sustainability in the carbon sequestration. fight against poverty, climate change efforts are guided by five strategic priorities: Issues, Impacts, and Responses and Impacts, Issues,

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• Aerial view of part of South Tarawa , the capital island of Kiribati Projected Impacts of Climate Change Climate Change in the Pacific

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The countries of the Pacific are already experiencing serious disruptive changes consistent with the anticipated consequences of global climate change.

• A home in , , damaged during , February 2010 • aquifers, asalready experienced by many of seawater intrusion into underground water vulnerable. Sea-levelincreases rise thepossibilities lowsoils, islandsmuchmore generally making saltwater contamination ofbothgroundwater and volcanic) islands. This isespeciallythecasefor differrise between low (e.g., atoll) andhigh(e.g., populations. general, ofsea-level In theimpacts inundate many areas critical andthreaten their with increased storm surges, would completely Thus, anincrease ofaslittlehalfameter, along islands are lessthanafew meters above sealevel. oftheshorelinelive andmany within1.5km rise. More than50%oftheregion’s population Pacific countries isriskfromat extreme sea-level (IPCC) hasrecently of highlighted that thesurvival The Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change Sea-Level Rise Savai’i, Samoa Part ofthecoastline of already prevalent inthePacific region. compound existing politicalandsocialstresses or to other islandsorcountries. This may inturn migrating, onhigherground, eitherto properties levels hasalready causedmany peopleto consider in many countries. sea ofrising The possibility reach proportions critical the issuecould quickly and withlandinlimited anddwindlingsupply, bysparked highsealevels are already areality, the interior ofhighislands. Population relocations in coastal areas in andthedifficulty relocating to rise, dueto theconcentration ofhumanactivity high islandsare equallyvulnerable to sea-level However, inmany otherrespects, bothlow and availability affectsthepeople’s directly livelihoods. coastal communities wherein water and quality

5 Projected Impacts of Climate Change Extreme Weather Events

There have been several well-documented become even wetter, while unusually dry areas events that show the increase of extreme could become even drier. Heavier damages are weather events such as tropical storms/ expected from increased risks of coastal erosion cyclones, droughts, , and heat waves. In and flooding due to wave and storm surges. 2004, caused storm waves to rise Flooding is likely to cause a loss of coastal and over the 30 meter cliffs in Niue, leaving one industrial infrastructure, (e.g., roads, settlements, person dead and many others homeless, and and marine installations) particularly in low- causing $150 million in damage. In early 2005, lying areas. Long dry periods will reduce water the Cook Islands experienced five cyclones supplies to critical levels and increase forest within a five-week period, four of which were fires. Drought caused by the El Niño effect in classified as Category 5. In the decades prior, the Pacific is a serious and increasingly regular the Cook Islands could expect a storm of this occurrence. Each El Niño event results in water magnitude approximately every 20 years. Many shortages and drought in Samoa, Islands, of these extreme weather events can be linked Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, to the El Niño/La Niña-Southern Oscillation Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New (ENSO) pattern. Since the mid-1970s, there has Guinea, Samoa, and .1 Drought conditions been a tendency for more frequent El Niño can also significantly reduce the soil’s ability to episodes, without significant intervening La cope with sudden intense rainfall, exacerbating Niña events. Recent modelling studies indicate flooding and erosion. The increased severity more El Niño-like conditions as a result of global of extreme weather events alone may cause warming—with central and eastern equatorial many of the islands of the Pacific to become Pacific sea surface temperatures projected uninhabitable. Therefore, a strategy should be to warm more than the western equatorial formulated to anticipate and prevent major Pacific. Corresponding rainfall patterns, as well catastrophes related to extreme events, as well as as the area of tropic cyclone formation, have reduce the vulnerability to variability and longer- been shifting eastward. Wet areas are likely to term changes.

1 Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Land Resources Division. 2010. Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries. www.spc.int/ lrd/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=535&Itemid=306 Climate Change in the Pacific

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• Doma Bridge, Solomon Islands • A Papuan woman fetching water from a stream Projected Impacts Projected of Climate Change Water Resources and 7 Water Supply

Maintaining water resources and water supply is very critical for Pacific countries, particularly for countries with atolls where the human population and natural ecosystems depend on ground water lenses. The effects of climate change have upset the ecological balance in the region. Rates of change are likely to increase in the future. In general, the future climate is expected to become more El Niño-like, resulting in more droughts in the southern Pacific and more rain and consequent floods in the equatorial Pacific. The consequences of drought are aggravated by sea-level rise, notably for the effects on groundwater supplies. Increased rates of coastal erosion will reduce the size of the freshwater lenses under atolls. Coral Reefs and Fisheries

Coral reef ecosystems are vital to all Pacific pollution as a result of poor management countries. Reefs provide at least one quarter of practices in catchments and coastal areas. the fish catch in most developing countries, and Further degradation of these resources will feed over 1 billion people. In the Pacific, their result in economic disruption and social flow-on possible destruction or degradation poses a effects for the coral triangle countries. Pacific threat to every country. Coral reefs are also one countries including the Fiji Islands, Vanuatu, of the biggest tourism attractions in the region. Palau, Samoa, and Cook Islands have shown Increasing sea surface temperatures and rising they can deliver tourist-led growth, all having sea level, damage from tropical cyclones, and sustained growth of 5% or more over the last five decreases in growth rates due to the effects of years in tourism arrivals. Tourism is almost half higher carbon dioxide concentrations are very of gross domestic product (GDP) in Cook Islands likely to affect the health of coral reefs and other and Palau, closer to 20% in Vanuatu and 10%- marine ecosystems that sustain island fisheries. 15% in Samoa and Fiji Islands.2 Target revenue The impacts will be exacerbated by increased for the region from tourism is $2 billion every turbidity, nutrient loading, and chemical year by 2010—and if this is achieved, tourism

2 AusAID. 2008. Pacific Economic Survey. Climate Change in the Pacific

8 would be the single largest contributor to chemical run-off and increased turbidity will also economic growth, in the region.3 have a detrimental effect on in-shore fisheries. There are likely to be increased costs for fishing In 2007, the total value of fisheries and at sea, due to safety considerations and loss of aquaculture production in the region was days at sea from the increased incidence of bad estimated to be over $2 billion.4 Many climate weather. Aquaculture is a developing industry change issues will affect the productivity and in the Pacific region and has an important role economic viability of fisheries, both in-shore and in diversifying trade, increasing capacity for deep water. Alterations in ocean temperatures fisheries production, and contributing to rural and currents due to increased ENSO-like development. In 2007, the region’s production conditions will affect migration and result in was worth $211 million.5 The industry is also changes to the distribution and abundance of likely to face difficulties due to the effects of tuna, a significant fish stock in the Pacific region. changing patterns of rainfall—e.g., increased A decline in the health of reef ecosystems, sediment and rainwater flooding of some ponds, damage to coastal infrastructure, erosion, and drought drying up others.

3 Oceania Sustainable Tourism Alliance. 2008. South Pacific Island Tourism: A carbon clean future. 4 ADB. 2009. Gillet, R. Fisheries in the Economies of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Manila. 5 Ponia, B. 2010. A review of aquaculture in the Pacific Islands 1998–2007. Secretariat of the Pacific Community. Projected Impacts Projected of Climate Change

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• Shark feeding in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia • A Papuan family preparing food

Human Settlements and Health

The majority of human settlements and critical such as malaria and dengue, will rise due to infrastructure in Pacific countries are located in increased flooding, and the areas susceptible to coastal areas. This includes hospitals, schools, communicable diseases will expand. There will churches, power plants and distribution systems, be changes in the distribution and frequency of fuel depots, telecommunication systems, disaster malaria, wherein areas with higher temperature coordination centers, hotels and other tourism will expand to higher altitudes, where people facilities, airports, wharves, and commercial who have not been exposed will be more structures. It is estimated that coastal flooding susceptible to the disease. Therefore, the health will potentially affect between 60,000 and sector strategy should be adjusted to reflect 90,000 Pacific Island people, or 0.3% to 0.5% of the changes in climatic conditions, vector behaviors, projected population, by 2050.6 Therefore, any and disease patterns. Extreme weather events

Climate Change in the Pacific factors that impact coastal areas, such as extreme also lead to loss of life, injuries, and other health weather events, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise, impacts. Storms can damage and destroy health 10 would exact a very high human and economic toll. centers and related infrastructure, disrupting Given the costs for construction and maintenance, essential health services. With lower agricultural damage to infrastructure will heavily burden productivity due to climate change, food vulnerable economies. shortages may arise causing malnutrition rates to increase.7 Urban areas can expect more heat Temperature variations and extreme events waves. All of these trends will require adaptation strongly influence the epidemic potential of measures.8 Decreased agricultural production water and vector-borne diseases such as cholera, will have follow-on effects on diet, with more typhoid, malaria, and dengue. Rising temperatures reliance on imported, often less healthy, foods. and increased humidity create perfect conditions Income for families relying on agriculture for for pathogens to grow and spread, resulting in their livelihoods will suffer. Changes in rainfall increased incidence and prevalence of infectious patterns and saline intrusion also have a large diseases. The risks from water-borne diseases such impact on the supply of potable water for as cholera and typhoid, and vector-borne diseases drinking and cooking.

6 IPCC. 2007. Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change. Working Group II: Impacts, Adaption, and Vulnerability. 7 FAO. 2008. Climate change and food security in Pacific Island Countries. 8 Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Fact Sheet. • forced to grow theircrops (e.g., taro) inraised tin coconuts. have farmers Some already been less resilient crops andthenultimately affects firstwith starts in agricultural productivity ofpeople’spart mainstaplediet. Reduction crops suchasbananasandwatermelon are still as yams, taro andsweet potatoes, andother growth. Amultitudeofcultivated plants such agricultural andimpedecrop production to inundation willreduce available landfor of food. Loss oflandandsalineintrusion due onagriculture andtheproduction impacts saltwater intrusion willallhave significant weatherExtreme events, irregular rainfall, and Agriculture andFood Supply Tarawa, Kiribati A domesticgarden inSouth conditions andotherfactors. to bedeveloped to adaptto newenvironmental life-threatening conditions. Strategies willneed failures andepidemicswillexpose peopleto will severely affectmarginal farmers, andcrop crops inwetter areas. incrop patterns Shifts areas, aswell astheneedfor water tolerant demands for drought-resistant crops indrier rainfall willaffect water supply, andincreased deterioration ofcrops.harvest Variability of of pestsanddiseases, andmore rapid post- conditions willalsofavor increased incubation lost coconut palmsto saline intrusion. Humid containers, andsomeofthesmallerislandshave

11 Projected Impacts of Climate Change AdB in Action ADB responds to climate change with 5 strategic priorities

Expanding the Use of Clean the hydropower resource of three provincial and Renewable Energy towns. A regional project to support the blending of indigenous biofuels with diesel GHGs from energy use and generation represent fuel is planned for the Republic of the Marshall more than half of all Asia’s GHG emissions. The Islands and Solomon Islands. In addition, ADB foundation of ADB’s mitigation strategy is curbing will implement a $10 million–$12 million growth in energy demand by increasing energy project co-financed by GEF to upscale demand- efficiency and meeting energy needs through side energy efficiency initiatives in the Cook low-carbon options. Areas targeted for energy Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Under the efficiency are the commercial, industrial, and Regional Technical Assistance for Strengthening residential sectors, as well as at the municipal level. the Capacity of Pacific Developing Member Countries to Respond to Climate Change, Significant clean energy initiatives are ADB will likewise support the up-scaling of programmed for Pacific developing member renewable energy technology by assisting in countries. ADB is financing hydropower the preparations for a range of clean energy

Climate Change in the Pacific generation in Samoa, and Papua New Guinea projects and improving access to carbon finance (PNG) is receiving a $40 million loan to develop through the Clean Development Mechanism 12 (CDM), a market-based arrangement under the investments to address congestion, safety, and Kyoto Protocol that allows industrialized countries local air quality issues. Opportunities in mobility with GHG reduction commitments to purchase planning and public transport investments, carbon credits from developing countries. where GHG emissions reductions can be built-in to new investments, will be explored. Aviation and ocean shipping will remain a prominent Encouraging Sustainable Urban feature of transport sector development within Development and Transport the region, while rail transport opportunities are limited to the region’s larger countries such as Fiji ADB’s support for sustainable urban infrastructure Islands and PNG. Investment opportunities exist promotes competitive and liveable cities with in alternative and cleaner fuels, with possible use reduced carbon footprints. Priorities are green of compressed natural gas as a transport fuel in space, energy-efficient buildings and water supply, PNG and Timor-Leste and biofuel development and reductions in GHG emissions from waste and in Fiji Islands. ADB is encouraging urban urban transport. development in Fiji Islands and Tonga by assisting in improving infrastructure services, maintenance, ADB will support investments to reduce GHG and management, while considering climate emissions from transport, residential and change adaptations. An ADB project in Samoa commercial buildings, industry, and waste is developing wastewater and drainage management, with near-term emphasis on energy infrastructure and management, to help cope conservation and efficiency, and energy recovery with climate change impacts such as floods. from solid waste and wastewater treatment facilities where clear co-benefits can be realized. Significant benefits can be realized through Promoting Climate-Resilient expanded use of biomass digester-gasifier Development systems which can be deployed at household and village scales. Energy conservation and efficiency ADB provides policy and technical guidance to measures in the urban sector can be implemented address climate change and variability issues through new financing mechanisms (e.g., clean in agriculture, infrastructure, transport, health, energy funds and energy service companies), and water, and other sectors. The water sector can be implemented via either energy sector or initiatives are designed and planned to cope urban infrastructure investments. with the impacts of climate change by reducing water losses and applying integrated water Transport projects comprise about a third of resources management to improve the resilience the regional program. Under its Sustainable of communities and economies to climate

Transport Initiative, ADB is geared to realign its change. In the region, considering its looming Ad B in Action 13

• Temporary shelter on an islet of Abaiang Atoll, Kiribati impacts, climate change adaptation measures stakeholders better understand climate science have been comprehensively incorporated into and good practices required to properly respond projects and development plans. Transport to country-specific needs. projects in the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste are already incorporating adaptation measures ADB will assist Pacific developing member for future climate change into their planning and countries to access carbon markets (e.g., CDM, engineering designs, such as flooding and ADB’s Asia Pacific Carbon Fund, ADB Future erosion prevention. Carbon Fund, and voluntary markets) and new climate investment funds to obtain the additional resources needed for implementing clean energy Strengthening Policies, and other GHG mitigation projects. ADB will help Governance, and Capacities create an investment environment conducive to private and commercial investment that can Ensuring successful climate change programs reduce GHG emissions in the region. and projects also depends on acceptance and administration at the national and sub-national levels. ADB works to strengthen good governance Managing Land Use and Forests and policies in support of climate change for Carbon Sequestration mitigation and adaptation. Increases in extreme events are virtually certain Capacity building is bolstered at many levels, to affect the adaptation responses of forests from assisting government ministries in crafting on tropical islands, where regeneration is often climate supportive policies to helping country slow, in the short term. In view of their small area, Climate Change in the Pacific

14 Programme demonstrated that forest growth by thePacific IslandsClimate Change Assistance realized. AGHGemissionsassessment prepared andadaptation measuresefforts may be often synergies between climate changemitigation Land useadjustments are anarea where revenue from sequestration. carbon plus supplement incomes withnewsources of people’s livelihoods from climate impacts, to securecountries maximize opportunities technical assistance andlending, ADBhelps climate change. providing By integrated can helpcountries mitigate andadaptto Changing agriculture practices andforestry for improved management practices. and gainaccess to climate financingin exchange emissions. ADBishelpingcountries prepare for the mostcost-effective ways to reduce GHG and agricultural landmanagement are among by orstorms. violent cyclones Improving forest forests onmany islandscaneasilybedecimated tons/year CO Secretariat estimates that about 1.9 million of climate change. The Pacific Islands Forum sinks aswell asreducing theadverse impacts for creationpotential opportunities ofcarbon Islandsrepresentsin PNGandtheSolomon Reforestation ofareas cleared by logging demonstrated negative netGHGemissions. suchthatprovided theregion sink, acarbon changes inclimate. realize sustainablelandmanagement despite energy andfuels, reduce GHGemissions, and achieve reforestation, develop alternative biomass energy plantations, canoptimally Long-term reforestation including activities, its developing membercountries (REDD+). Deforestation andForest Degradation in financing Reducing Emissionsfromfor explore possibilitiesto obtainconcessional onalimited basisandwill sector forestry Tonga. ADBwillconsider engagement inthe inFiji projects forestry Islands, PNG,and canbeachievedreductions from small-scale 2 equivalent inemissions • island ofSamoa Coastal scene onUpolu, themain

15 AdB in Action Climate Change Solutions at the Regional and Country Levels

Regional Responses Climate Change in the Pacific

16 In 2007, the Pacific island governments adopted forest degradation and deforestation. Regional an action plan to carry out the Pacific Islands organizations such as the Secretariat of the Framework for Action on Climate Change, in Pacific Community (SPC), an intergovernmental which national activities are complemented by organization that provides technical and policy regional programming. Development partners advice and assistance to its Pacific island members, have been providing advice and support for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment adaptation and mitigation efforts for several Programme, established by the governments and years. In some Pacific countries, ADB has carried administrations of the Pacific region to look after out vulnerability assessments as components of its environment, are also active in pushing for technical assistance or grant projects, leading to more efforts and coordination towards climate such adaptation measures as climate-proofing change action. vital coastal areas and infrastructure and disaster risk management. Other adaptation projects Based on Strategy 2020, ADB’s Pacific Approach include investigating improved agricultural 2010–2014 brings together the lessons from these methods, crops, fisheries, and forest management. experiences and views natural hazards, climate Mitigation efforts are being directed at reducing change, and deterioration of the environment as fossil fuel use, improving energy efficiency, key development challenges for Pacific countries. developing renewable energy such as wind and It lists inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar power, and reducing GHG emissions from growth as one of three pillars of its development • Coastal scene on Upolu, the main island of Samoa

agenda, with climate change adaptation and and implementation of the climate-responsive mitigation as drivers of economic development. national development plans of Pacific DMCs. ADB has continued supporting Pacific developing The program will focus on “no-regrets” activities member countries (DMCs )through a number of for adaptation—activities that make sound climate change initiatives, such as the preparation environmental management sense and foster

of guidelines for climate proofing of infrastructure wise resource use, thus reducing the risk of Climate Change Solutions and Country Levels at the Regional projects and assessing the feasibility of catastrophe natural disasters, and benefitting the countries risk financing (jointly with the World Bank). ADB with cost-effective measures even without taking 17 is likewise working with regional agencies and climate change into consideration. Supporting selected governments on the economics of climate activities will include policy and legal reforms so change to provide a comprehensive analysis of that climate adaptation is carried out effectively; climate change impacts, and the economic costs building capacity of concerned institutions, and benefits of climate change adaptation and including the private sector and civil society, to mitigation initiatives. improve their knowledge and skills in climate- related matters; information, education, and The Pacific Climate Change Program (PCCP) communication campaigns directed at policy and was developed under ADB’s Regional Capacity decision makers, as well as the general public, to Development Technical Assistance: Strengthening ensure their involvement and to maximize the the Capacity of Pacific Developing Member benefits of climate change–related activities; Countries to Respond to Climate Change. and publishing and disseminating knowledge The main objective of PCCP is to ensure the products, such as tools and methods for climate continued economic growth of Pacific DMCs in risk assessment. the face of global climate change, by reducing their vulnerability to its risks and impacts. It Through the Pilot Program for Strengthening will address climate change–related technical Climate Resilience of Pacific DMCs, financed by and financing needs and support the planning the Climate Investment Funds, three country • Rock Islands, Palau

pilot projects (PNG, Samoa, and Tonga) and one For the Pacific Islands Disaster Risk Reduction regional pilot project will support mainstreaming and Disaster Management Framework for Action, of climate change adaptation in national ADB is working with the World Bank to assess the development plans. feasibility of establishing a Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. The draft report of the Through the Coral Triangle Initiative, ADB will World Bank–ADB joint effort on feasibility of support five Pacific DMCs (the Fiji Islands, PNG, establishing the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu) Facility (Pacific Disaster Reserve Fund) is being in strengthening their marine and coastal prepared to be presented to and discussed resources management activities, with one with the countries in the region and concerned component emphasizing adaptation to climate development partners. ADB is mainly responsible change. The Coastal and Marine Resources for setting up a database on the countries’ Management in the Coral Triangle of the exposure to natural hazards, which will feed the

Climate Change in the Pacific Pacific study will identify regional and national modelling work on catastrophe risk insurance climate change impacts on coastal and marine prepared by the World Bank. ADB’s participation in 18 resources, define options, and guide decisions this project is through the Regional Partnerships for sustainable coastal and marine resources for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster management; review and assess national Preparedness Technical Assistance which covers policies, strategies, regulation, and laws to eight countries (the Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, major environmental issues and trends in the PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, , subregion; engage and strengthen capacity and Vanuatu). The study helps Pacific countries awareness of multi-sector stakeholders for to mitigate financial risks from the effects of sustainable environmental management and natural disasters, including those exacerbated climate change; and identify the interaction by climate change by improving the geophysical of factors shaping common threats and information system (GIS) that provides information opportunities of the participating countries for to decision makers on hazard exposure and risk environmental protection and climate change minimization. Specifically, the study supports the adaptation. The resulting coordinated response development of up to eight national databases, will enhance the sustainability of Pacific coastal and a consolidated regional database, that and marine systems through strengthening the include risk, hazard, and vulnerability data critical management of coastal and marine resources to the future development of a Pacific regional at the local and national levels, thus preventing catastrophe insurance scheme and vital to environmental degradation and preparing for informing governments regarding adaptation to the challenges posed by climate change impacts. natural catastrophes. • Part of Muri Lagoon, , Cook Islands

Country-Specific Responses

Cook Islands

In 2005, the Cook Islands saw five tropical in support of the government’s pro-poor cyclones over a period of five weeks, four of which objectives. A plan for strengthening the country’s were Category 5. The islands were devastated, infrastructure governance framework and with widespread damage to infrastructure and capacity development of implementing agencies property costing more than $5 million.9 was prepared, as well as a detailed project proposal for priority funding by development Opportunities for adaptation include the partners and the government. The study uses establishment of a climate risk-informed decision a risk-based approach to incorporate climate support system in the GIS context. Educational proofing in project design. It recommends curricula at all levels should also be strengthened cost-effective interventions and consulted to include disaster risk reduction and climate stakeholders extensively throughout project change adaptation. Climate change concerns design and development. should be incorporated into policies and legislations in disaster risk management, such as ADB’s Protecting Island Biodiversity and Traditional

building standards, land use and management, Culture in Pacific Island Communities Through Climate Change Solutions and Country Levels at the Regional water resources, transport, energy, agriculture, Community-based Climate Risk Assessment and marine resources and fisheries, public health, and Management project incorporates community- 19 infrastructure development. Guidelines should based impact and adaptation strategies within be developed to integrate climate change into four vulnerable communities on Aitutaki and sectoral and sustainable development plans Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The project aims to such as the Tourism Master Plan and Tourism develop replicable community-based adaptation Environmental Policy. risk management tools to minimize risks to critical infrastructure and service sectors, and help The vulnerability of the Cook Islands to extreme climate-proof vulnerable community investments. climate events has a significant impact upon the country’s physical infrastructure. Technical Extreme weather events, such as the cyclones of assistance support provided under ADB’s 2005, have damaged and continue to threaten Infrastructure Development Project examines critical infrastructure such as seaports. The Avatiu the potential to promote environmentally sound Port Development Project will rehabilitate and development of infrastructure for power, water expand the capacity of Avatiu port while taking supply, sanitation, solid waste, and transport climate change impacts into account.

9 SPC Land Resources Division. 2010. Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries. www.spc.int/lrd/index.php?option=com_content& view=article&id=535&Itemid=306 Fiji Islands

In 2009, the western side of the Fiji Islands, which a key challenge facing the power sector in the normally gets less than 25 cm of rain a month, Fiji Islands. Given the sharp fluctuations in fuel was overwhelmed by more than 45 cm of rain in prices on the world markets, the Fiji Islands needs a day. Most of the low lying areas in the country to diversify its generation sources and promote were underwater for days, with levels of up clean and renewable energy. To withstand the to 3–5 meters in some places. Agriculture and projected increase in extreme climate events, infrastructure were the hardest hit with losses of proposed projects need to be made more resilient more than F$100 million. to present and future risks related to climate change and variability. In 2003, caused severe flooding leading to losses in key development sectors ADB’s Emergency Flood Recovery Project aims to such as housing, education, health, agriculture, reduce economic losses and social disruption from tourism, sugar, business, infrastructure, extreme weather in the future. The target outcome telecommunications, and power supply with an will be the restoration of economic and social estimated cost of damage at F$104.4 million. Over activities in affected areas to pre-disaster levels. 70% of this damage was to the public sector. The Project outputs include rehabilitation and climate cyclone also caused 14 deaths.11 proofing of road infrastructure, agricultural drainage schemes, and water supply intake structures. Sustainable agriculture production systems should be developed, such as the Agricultural The Road Master Plan and Investment Program Diversification Scheme, which includes research aims to rehabilitate and upgrade roads, replace on more flexible farming systems based on climate bridges, advocate road safety civil works and risks analysis and on plant varieties that are tolerant a road safety action plan, establish a Fiji Roads to droughts, floods, and high salinity. Coastal Authority, increase private sector participation in protection options, both community-based and road maintenance, train staff, and pursue capacity engineering schemes, should include mangrove development in road maintenance functions. and reef protection and rehabilitation, education, public awareness, and legislative measures. The –Nausori Water Supply and Sewerage The country’s disease control program can see Project is contributing to better living standards improvements in quarantine measures, public in the Suva–Nausori Region, particularly for the awareness, and preventative exposure measures. urban poor. Outcomes from the project include An integrated water resources management to increased delivery of safe water supply and include aspects of climate change (e.g., droughts sewerage services in the Suva–Nausori area

Climate Change in the Pacific and floods) needs to be established. through physical and institutional improvements, and enhanced sustainability of water supply and 20 Ensuring that generation, transmission, and sewerage services throughout the Fiji Islands distribution capacity can meet electricity demand is through institutional reforms.

11 SPC Land Resources Division. 2010. Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries. www.spc.int/lrd/index.php?option=com_content& view=article&id=535&Itemid=306

• Island off the west coast of Viti Levu, Fiji Islands • Beach in Kiribati Climate Change Solutions and Country Levels at the Regional Kiribati 21

ADB is supporting a Climate Change Adaptation international development and the World Bank Project for the country that proposes integrating Group. The partnership strategy also addresses climate change adaptation into national the climate change challenges the atoll nation planning and institutional capacity, such as faces. ADB will seek to provide grant financing the management of coastal structures, land to support climate change adaptation and use and agricultural practices. ADB and the as a matter of course will climate proof all Government of Kiribati have agreed to a five- infrastructure provided. year strategic partnership aimed at improving water and sanitation needs and public Capacity building (such as survivability, self- financial management, boosting private sector reliance, and skills development) should development, and providing funding to alleviate be ramped-up in consideration of possible the impacts of climate change. The Country migration. Marine and freshwater resources Partnership Strategy, 2010–2014 is aligned with and supply systems should be managed based the Kiribati Development Plan, 2008–2011, on climate risk assessments. Information on and was developed in close coordination with climate change vulnerability and responses must Kiribati’s development partners, in particular be generated for inclusion in sectoral project the Australian and New Zealand agencies for preparation documents. Republic of the Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands lie in such as for building regulations and other open ocean with an average height above sea development projects, need to be developed. level of 2 meters and the highest elevation at The local government must mainstream climate only 6 meters. With further sea-level rise, the change risks reduction into their development Marshallese would become among the first of planning and budgeting. Climate risk information many environmental refugees. For these reasons, must factor into building design and materials the government of the Republic of the Marshall while considering traditional styles. Islands has participated actively in negotiations for the United Nations Framework Convention on The Country Operations Business Plan Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its protocols, and 2009– 2011 prioritizes technical assistance continues to do so. and policy advice to increase public sector productivity with emphasis on basic social ADB is recommending the strengthening of services and poverty reduction; adapt to global environmental and natural resources policies, climate change; and enhance the environment legislation and regulations, and establishment for private sector investment, job creation, of enabling environment for climate change and growth. mainstreaming through strategic planning and budgeting. There must be harmonization ADB’s Improved Energy Supply for Poor and strengthening of traditional and modern Households Project aims to improve livelihoods methods for coastal protection and erosion through sustainable electricity. The targeted control and infrastructure design, factoring outcomes include increased access to power in climate change. Early warning systems for and income generation opportunities for the disaster and climate change risks reduction poor from sustainable power supplies. The (floods and droughts) should be enhanced. project supports the use of coconut oil/diesel Policies and procedures for land use planning, blends in generators. Climate Change in the Pacific

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• Arno atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands systems and roof rainwater catchments. low-maintenance and low-cost solar desalination freshwater such as small-scale, low-technology, and constructing additional sources of potable rural areas can also be improved by identifying systems on atolls and in other insular coastal and zone management programs. Community water community-based coral reef protection and coastal protection program component integrated with see the development of an upper watershed Adapting to climate change impacts should facilities without adequate water supplies. levels of salinity leaving many schools and public up and wells were dangerously low with increasing the wake of the El Niño phenomenon. Rivers dried emergencies due to food and water shortages in Micronesia (FSM) have declared major Several islands of the Federated States of Federated States ofMicronesia 10 view=article&id=535&Itemid=306 SPC Land Resources Division. 2010. Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries 10 project levels. project and sector, planning, development national the at Reduction Risk Integrated through Adaptation Change Climate of mainstreaming the demonstrated which (CLIMAP), Pacific the for Project Adaptation Change Climate the for selected was FSM Islands, Cook the with Along throughout. efficiency greater to leading sector, water the of rehabilitation the facilitate also will sector power the rehabilitating Thus, schools. and hospitals for and operations, government for consumers, to water pump to needed is Electricity Chuuk. of capital island state the on component rehabilitation power a includes Project Development Infrastructure ADB’sOmnibus . www.spc.int/lrd/index.php?option=com_content& • Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

23 Climate Change Solutions at the Regional and Country Levels Nauru

Tropical cyclones normally bypass Nauru, however biodiversity should be promoted. Strategic rainfall is cyclic and periodic droughts are a serious and sectoral planning and budgeting must problem, with one year having a recorded rainfall include climate change adaptation for capacity of only 280 mm. Assisted by the European Union building. ADB is also supporting the Nauru Renewable Energy Program, Nauru is presently Port Development Project. As the country developing a national energy policy in which it does not have a protected port, the project is hopes to increase the share of renewable energy key to addressing binding constraints to the in its energy mix by 10% by year 2020. country’s economic development. ADB has provided initial assistance to assess options for Programs to control population and urban growth, port construction. Other donors have made use as part of urban planning and management, of this work in considering financial assistance should be established. Environmental education, for Nauru. Evaluation of the country’s facilities institutions, and legislation need strengthening. shows the surrounding land area and coastal Environmental consideration, including climate roadway to be affected by severe erosion, with risk assessment, should be mainstreamed sea-level rise further affecting serviceability and into development projects. The sustainable causing damage, thus necessitating thorough use of marine resources and conservation of climate proofing. Climate Change in the Pacific

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• Cantilever ship loader, Nauru • Jellyfish Lake, Rock Islands, Palau

Palau

The government of Palau is generally committed Climate Change Action Plan. This will

to climate change adaptation principles improve Palau’s overall sustainability and Climate Change Solutions and Country Levels at the Regional and activities, yet there exists a gap in the climate resilience in the marine environment; understanding of the anticipated impacts of water supply and sanitation; tourism; and 25 climate change extremes and variability on overall agriculture. Climate risk management, and economic development, livelihood security, food adaptation policies and measures will be security, and infrastructure resilience. mainstreamed to support sustainable water resources, eco-friendly tourism investment, To build capacity, climate change adaptation must and facilitate sustainable subsistence be included in strategic and sectoral planning agricultural production. and budgeting. Mangroves and wetlands must be protected, with conservation and reserve The Babeldaob Water Supply Project seeks areas set up. A comprehensive land use plan must to provide a more reliable supply of treated be established within watersheds and riparian water to communities in Babeldaob and Koror, buffer zones. A drought early warning system and and to enable the expansion of the Koror-Airai response should also be initiated. water supply network to Aimeliik. The ensuing project will consider climate change adaptation To support ADB’s broader climate adaptation measures related to sustained availability of efforts across the Pacific region, and as part of raw water. The Sanitation Sector Development Palau’s country partnership strategy, ADB is Project also aims to improve the environment collaborating with the government to develop by eliminating sewerage overflows from the a cluster of activities to implement the Palau dilapidated sewerage collection network. Papua New Guinea

Droughts have caused damage not only to ADB has shown strong support for PNG’s subsistence farming but also the production transport sector through the Bridges of cash crops such as coffee and cocoa. Most Replacement Project, Civil Aviation significantly for the national economy, some Development Investment Program, mines have had to close as the level of water has Community Water Transport Project, and Sea dropped in the rivers on which they depend for Transport Development Investment Program. supplies and transport.12 The Road Upgrading and Maintenance Program will establish a road system in the In line with capacity building, climate change Highlands region that will enable optimal use adaptation needs to be included in the govern- of its natural, mineral, and human resources, ment’s strategic planning and budgeting. Support and promote the development of the for the health sector must be enhanced with agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism emphasis on climate change–related issues, sectors on a sustainable basis. Climate change preventive health care through disease control, impacts will be considered in the program, improved medical and quarantine services, particularly due to possible higher rainfall that and developing an epidemic preparedness and prompts adaptation of roadside drainage. response system and public awareness program. A strategic coastal and water management system Under the Power Sector Development must be established and integrated into policy, Project, ADB is also financing investments planning, and budgeting. Alternative water sources that may include hydropower facilities, and such as rainfall catchment devices and other water the enhancement and rehabilitation of the harvesting techniques should also be developed. power grid.

12 SPC Land Resources Division. 2010. Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries. www.spc.int/lrd/index.php?option=com_conten t&view=article&id=535&Itemid=306 Climate Change in the Pacific

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• Papuans catching fish Samoa

Elevated sea temperatures have killed over 90% codes to increase resilience to climate change of the living corals of American Samoa from the impacts, integrating risk management as a intertidal zone to a depth of 10 meters, with component of policies, plans, programs, and fishing catches declining drastically in the wake projects, and strategic planning and budgeting of the coral death. Samoa is on the edge of major processes that include climate change concerns. tuna migrations and fishing success can oscillate from extreme success to failure depending on ADB’s Power Sector Expansion Project will help ocean temperature regimes. provide sustainable and reliable electricity services to all consumers in Samoa. The The Government of Samoa held its first National clean energy component focuses mainly on Climate Change Summit in 2009, which was used conservation of energy among consumers but as an opportunity to update stakeholders on also supports renewable energy. ADB is also climate change developments and highlighted financing the relocation of key transmission some of the most visible impacts of climate lines underground, to increase resilience of change in water shortages, rapid coastal erosion, power infrastructure. and agriculture and food security as well as in public health risks, forest and biodiversity, and The Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage other disciplines and sectors. Samoa’s Second Project will improve and rehabilitate existing National Communication (SNC) Report to the drainage and rivers to reduce flooding. UNFCCC Project was also launched then. Sanitation will be improved through a combination of a pressure sewerage scheme to Recommended adaptation efforts include service key urban areas, and improved on-site establishing alternative water supply and storage sanitation and sanitation management for other programs; research and implementation on areas, particularly low-lying flood-prone land. alternative crops and early warning systems for food security; and the development of a The Afulilo Environmental Enhancement Sustainable Tourism Plan through a Tourism Project will help increase the energy output Environmental Policy, including training for from the Afulilo Hydropower Project, which operators and tourism management. Zoning and will contribute to reducing Samoa’s growing urban planning must see a revision of building exposure to fuel price increases. Climate Change Solutions and Country Levels at the Regional

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• Blow holes, Savai’i, Samoa Solomon Islands

Through the UNDP, the Solomon Islands has become the first country in the Pacific region, and one of four countries in the world, to qualify for the Adaptation Fund, a special international fund for projects that help nations gear up for climate- related changes. A total of $5 million have been approved in support of the project “Enhancing resilience of communities to the adverse effects of climate change in agriculture and food security” which includes an initiative to help build nurseries and germ plasma centers for crop varieties that thrive through changing climatic conditions and food storage units with durability for periods of extreme weather.

Agricultural practices (e.g., diversification, and soil and water conservation) and use of technology must be improved to better respond to climate change. Mangrove and coral reefs protection programs need to be established as well. Water management, supply, distribution, and storage need improvement. Climate proofing has to be mainstreamed into project designs, and climate change concerns into developmental planning and implementation. Comprehensive health policies and disease and pest controls need to be established, and medical and health services improved. Climate disaster risks should be mapped to facilitate decision making, such as selective installation of flood control infrastructure and resettlement options.

ADB’s efforts include building capacities through

Climate Change in the Pacific the Strengthening of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Project, and transport initiatives 28 such as Supporting Rural Transport Infrastructure Development and the Transport Infrastructure Project. A good example of a climate-proofed project in the Pacific is the Solomon Islands Second Road Improvement Project. It applies climate adaptation features such as watercourse crossings designed to accept higher floods and river debris loads, strengthened protection of roads, river training works, side slopes designed to prevent erosion, and rerouting of coastal roads exposed to waves and inundation.

• Simbo Bridge, Solomon Islands Timor-Leste

The government of Timor-Leste, independent only since 2002, has already ratified the Conventions on Climate Change, Desertification and Biodiversity and the Kyoto Protocol. A national reforestation campaign to curb the impacts of climate change, such as erosion and flooding, was also launched as part of the government’s Dili City of Peace program. The campaign also aims to educate the public and raise awareness of the need to protect the environment.

ADB’s Roads and Cross Border Infrastructure

Project will help build capacity to manage Climate Change Solutions and Country Levels at the Regional current climate variability and ongoing and longer-term climate change. Moreover, 29 adaptation options with other important benefits, such as erosion control, will be emphasized as a way of reducing the risk of inappropriate investments. The Timor-Leste Road Network Development Sector Project has incorporated adaptation features for future climate change into its subproject planning and engineering designs from inception. ADB conducted an integrated impact and vulnerability assessment to identify adaptation options, plus both engineering and land management options; and included adaptation measures as part of the environmental management plan. The models developed from these efforts may then be replicated for further projects.

• Hera Wharf, Timor-Leste Tonga

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) ADB’s Integrated Urban Development Sector Land Resources Division and the SPC/German Project will provide an efficient and well- Technical Cooperation Programme on Adaptation maintained primary road network, all-weather to Climate Change in the Pacific Island Region roads to low-income and low-lying residential have supported a survey of the ‘Eua forest to areas, as well as well-maintained and functional establish baseline information on current land drainage systems, effective trunk drainage use in the forest. The field survey information will systems, and groundwater quality monitoring contribute to the development of a land use plan wells to assess the impacts of septic tanks on that aims to ensure the sustainable management aquifers. This project will facilitate improved of ‘Eua’s forests and the promotion of sustainable urban planning and management capacity as agricultural and land management practices. With well as infrastructure maintenance programs, projections of increased frequency of extreme and will consider climate change adaptation events such as increased rainfall and higher during its execution. ADB is also supporting a temperatures, the impacts of current land use Renewable Energy Project and Energy Road practices in the ‘Eua forests will be aggravated in Map for the country. the face of climate change, especially since most of the forest grows on easily erodable soils. Climate Change in the Pacific

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• Flood prone area in Popua Village, in the outskirts of Nuku’alofa, Tonga Tuvalu

Severe drought had forced the government to Society and the Canada Fund, and the technical purchase a very expensive desalination plant support of the Netherlands-based Red Cross/ from Japan which costs A$30,000 per month to Red Crescent Centre on Climate Change and run given its intensive use of costly and carbon- Disaster Preparedness. ADB recommends intensive diesel fuel.13 improving the country’s financial management by including planning and budgeting for climate The state of Tuvalu has made a strong statement change adaptation. Agriculture practices, water by committing to a carbon neutral economy, with conservation, and coastal protections need to all its energy to come from renewable sources, by be enhanced for resilience to climate change 2020. The government hopes to use wind and solar impacts. Public education and awareness on power to generate electricity and is counting on climate change impacts and adaptation should international financial and institutional support be promoted. Research on the islands’ carrying to attain this goal. In 2005, the Tuvalu Red Cross capacities, monitoring, and observation needs to Society took part in a pilot project on climate be advanced. Human capital development must change, in conjunction with the International be ramped up to prepare Tuvalu for a rather Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent uncertain future in the light of climate change. Societies’ Pacific delegation, the first in the Pacific Long-term programs on climate change in to address the issue. The project benefited from primary education and preventative health care the financial support of the Japanese Red Cross should be established.

13 SPC Land Resources Division. 2010. Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries. www.spc.int/lrd/index.php?option=com_content& view=article&id=535&Itemid=306 Climate Change Solutions and Country Levels at the Regional

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• Funafuti beach, Tuvalu Vanuatu

In 2004, affected 50,000 people, and Opportunities to reduce reliance on natural damaged 90% of water resources, 70% of roads, resources, and coastal/marine resources 60% of health infrastructure, 112 schools, and should be identified. Critical infrastructure over 80% of food crops, estimated at a total cost must be relocated to areas of low vulnerability, of $12 million.14 and climate proofing incorporated into infrastructure design and specifications. Three pilot sites in Pele Island (North Efate), Teouma community (South Efate), and For ADB’s Port Vila Urban Development Project, Hasevaia community (South Santo) have been road repairs will be carried out in Port Vila and selected to implement community-level Luganville, along with other components such climate change adaptation measures under as structural repairs to the capital’s main wharf; the SPC/GTZ Regional Programme on development of Luganville’s water supply and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Pacific drainage facilities; improvement of the Erakor Island Region. The activities are included in causeway bridge; and protection of the lagoon Vanuatu’s National Adaptation Programme for environment. The project will improve living Action, and include introducing climate-resistant conditions and public health in two main crops, breeding extreme weather-adapted urban centers of Vanuatu; mitigate adverse livestock, developing community land-use plans, effects of urban growth on the environment; trialling new agroforestry and soil stabilization and promote economic growth by enhancing methods, and undertaking innovative climate conditions conducive to tourism and trade. adaptation education programs. Also under Climate change adaptation will be considered way is the development of climate change in infrastructure development. awareness materials. ADB is also supporting projects involving drainage and sanitation investment, and ADB notes that the range of Vanuatu’s renewable energy. agricultural products may be expanded through selection of plant varieties better suited to The Developing a Rural Urban Transport predicted future climates. Capacities should be Linkage Road Map Project will identify built particularly on science-based knowledge, investment opportunities in rural feeder and public awareness, and removing barriers to micro provincial roads to complete gaps in the financing. Upon assessing climate change risks, network, particularly in areas with tourism sustainable tourism may be further developed. and agricultural production potential. Climate Change in the Pacific 14 SPC Land Resources Division. 2010. Vulnerability of Pacific Island Countries. www.spc.int/lrd/index.php?option=com_content& 32 view=article&id=535&Itemid=306

• Port Vila, Vanuatu Way Forward

In the highly vulnerable and already hard-hit have been possible to date. Opportunities for Pacific region, responses to the impacts of ADB to enhance climate resilience in the Pacific climate change will be more effective through countries range from developing research and a concerted and coordinated response, based knowledge materials, promoting awareness on a comprehensive understanding of the and education, strengthening governance and countries’ needs and capacities. The Pacific economic management, improving water and island governments view climate change as natural resource management, mainstreaming a priority issue, but need clear objectives in disaster risk management and climate-proofing addressing its impacts. ADB’s position allows it infrastructure, to supporting the development to analyze the complex problems at all levels, and sustainability of key industries such as identify appropriate solutions based on the agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. varied geographic, social, and environmental conditions, and to mobilize technical and To support its commitment to climate change financial assistance to implement solutions action in its Pacific developing member countries, in a holistic manner. ADB has already begun ADB plans to significantly increase its investment to mainstream climate change activities into resources toward environment and climate change its operations and will continue to identify by 2020. ADB acknowledges that continued and implement appropriate solutions-based poverty reduction will not be possible without interventions. ADB will focus on those areas proactive efforts to address environmental where its comparative advantage can best be sustainability, including mitigating the causes of employed, and maintain and expand its role global warming and helping the most vulnerable in donor coordination and mobilization of citizens adapt to the already unavoidable impacts co-financing. The analyses of climate-related of climate change. The climate change agenda activities, donor assistance, and opportunities for has become one of the defining challenges that effective adaptation and mitigation investments ADB—and the entire development community— provide a foundation for more effective donor must face in achieving further progress in poverty coordination and co-financing initiatives than reduction in the Pacific and beyond. way Forward way

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• School children walking through the main street of Popua Village, in the outskirts of Nuku’alofa,Tonga Climate Change in the Pacific: Stepping Up Responses in the Face of Rising Impacts

Spread across the Pacific Ocean’s vast expanse is a diverse array of countries with widely varying topographies, cultures, and economies, but who all share the same critical challenges and vulnerabilities. They face dire and immediate consequences from the impacts of climate change—from sea-level rise and stronger storms to the changing distribution of disease vectors—that are markedly disproportionate to their miniscule contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions. Their geographic isolation, small and scattered populations, fragile environments, and limited resources severely restrict their capacity to adapt to climate change’s impacts. The Pacific island governments view climate change as a priority issue, but need clear objectives in addressing its impacts. ADB’s position allows it to analyze the complex problems at all levels, identify appropriate solutions based on the varied geographic, social, and environmental conditions, and mobilize technical and financial assistance to implement solutions in a holistic manner. ADB’s support advances the climate change programs of its developing member countries and regional initiatives, moving with partners to integrate responses while continuing to work toward reducing poverty.

About the Asian Development Bank

ADB’s vision is an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member countries substantially reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. Despite the region’s many successes, it remains home to two-thirds of the world’s poor: 1.8 billion people who live on less than $2 a day, with 903 million struggling on less than $1.25 a day. ADB is committed to reducing poverty through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Based in Manila, ADB is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance.

Asian Development Bank 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines www.adb.org Publication Stock No. ARM102724 Printed in the Philippines