The United Nations (UN), in its World Population Prospects 2019 report, has raised concerns about the ability of many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The escalation of factors such as population growth and climate change are predicted to present significant obstacles for these countries.
Understanding Small Island Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) comprise islands located in the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in June 1992, the SIDS were officially acknowledged as a distinct category of developing countries. There are 39 SIDS in total.
The vulnerabilities unique to SIDS were underscored in “The Future We Want”, a document adopted during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, also known as Rio+20, that was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012. The challenges specific to SIDS are their small size, remoteness, limited resource and export base, and exposure to global environmental challenges and external economic shocks.
Additionally, these island states face impacts from climate change and potential increases in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Despite these structural and external challenges, SIDS remain committed to achieving sustainable development.
The Role of Population Growth in Missing SDGs
A number of SIDS, such as Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, are witnessing a surge in their population growth rates. These rates exceed the global average rate of 1.07%. While the combined population of these countries is currently at 71 million, it’s forecasted to rise to 78 million by 2030 and 87 million by 2050, according to the report.
Geographical Challenges for Small Island Developing States
One third of the total population of SIDS live on lands that are less than five meters above sea level. This geographical feature makes them particularly susceptible to threats such as sea-level rise, storm surges, and coastal destruction.
| No. of SIDS | Current Population | Projected Population (2030) | Projected Population (2050) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 71 million | 78 million | 87 million |
Climate Change: A Significant Threat to SIDS
Despite contributing just 1% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, SIDS are some of the first countries to feel the worst effects of climate change. Industries crucial for their survival, such as agriculture and fishing, face decline due to climate volatility, posing a risk to livelihoods and economic growth.
Moreover, extreme weather conditions induced by climate change are causing severe damage to the land, real estate, and infrastructure of these islands, leading to economically disastrous results. The UN Environment Programme’s report emphasises these concerns.
Tourism, which forms the bedrock of many SIDS economies, is also being negatively affected by climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent, tourists may choose not to travel to these regions, fearing violent and potentially life-threatening storms.