Small Islands, Large Oceans: Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Change

The document examines the existential threats faced by small island developing states (SIDS), highlighting their extreme vulnerability to sea-level rise and economic shocks despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions. It advocates for a transition from seeing themselves as 'small islands' to 'large ocean states' by leveraging their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) through the 'blue economy.' The brief emphasizes the need for innovative financing, such as blue bonds and debt-for-climate swaps, and the urgent transition to domestic renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

• Small island developing states (SIDS) face extreme vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, with one-third of their population living on land less than five metres above sea level.
• SIDS are economically vulnerable due to a lack of diversification, with high dependence on food and energy imports and a heavy reliance on tourism, which was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• SIDS have exerted significant influence in international climate negotiations through the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), successfully lobbying for the 1.5°C temperature limit in the Paris Agreement and the creation of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage.
• By redefining themselves as "large ocean states," SIDS can utilize their exclusive economic zones (EEZs)—which cover about 30% of all oceans and seas—to develop a "blue economy" encompassing sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and offshore energy.
• Innovative financial instruments are essential for SIDS to fund resilience; examples include the Seychelles' launch of the first sovereign blue bond in 2018 and the use of debt-for-climate adaptation swaps.
• Transitioning to domestic renewable energy is critical for reducing the high cost and vulnerability associated with fossil fuel imports, with some nations like Barbados aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030.

APA

Mead, L. (2021). Small Islands, Large Oceans: Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Change. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-03/still-one-earth-SIDS.pdf

Chicago

Mead, Leila. Small Islands, Large Oceans: Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Change. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2021. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-03/still-one-earth-SIDS.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Mead |first1=Leila |title=Small Islands, Large Oceans: Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Change |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=March 2021 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-03/still-one-earth-SIDS.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{mead2021small, author = {Mead, Leila}, title = {{Small Islands, Large Oceans: Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Change}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2021}, month = mar, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-03/still-one-earth-SIDS.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }