Monday, September 9, 2024 The Pacific Islands, known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests, are a prime destination for tourists. However, climate change is threatening the very future of this vital industry, leaving many in the region increasingly anxious. Christopher Cocker, Chief Executive of the Pacific Tourism Organisation , emphasizes that climate change poses the greatest threat to Pacific communities.
“Without immediate and innovative action, the future of tourism in the region remains highly uncertain,” he warns. Pacific nations, particularly low-lying atoll countries like Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, face severe risks from rising sea levels and the lack of access to clean drinking water. Prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall have exacerbated the situation, making it even harder for these islands to cope with the changing climate.
Adding to the challenges, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology predicts that while there may be fewer cyclones in the future, those that do occur could be much more intense. Locals in Tonga, for example, have reported stronger and more frequent tropical storms, significantly impacting everyday life. Nomuka, a small island in Tonga’s Ha’apai archipelago, is one of many communities that has felt the direct impact of these changes.
Sione Taufa, an Associate Dean at the University of Auckland Business School, notes, “We live with cyclones almos.