By Sama Marwan,
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jan 8 (IPS) – Climate change poses one of the most significant threats to global health and well-being, with wide-ranging effects on economies, governance, and society at large. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that between 2030 and 2050, climate change could result in an additional 250,000 deaths annually due to its impact on nutrition, water security, and public health.
Extreme weather events — such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rains — jeopardize access to clean water and food supplies, increasing the spread of diseases like malaria, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and heatstroke. While every country is affected, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable.
The Impact of Climate Change on SIDS Health Systems
Health systems in SIDS often lack the capacity and resources to handle the increasing threats posed by climate change. In the Caribbean Islands, climate change has intensified droughts and heavy rainfall, contributing to outbreaks of insect-borne diseases. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) reported a 469% surge in Dengue Fever cases in 2024, with nearly 57,000 cases recorded, compared to the same period in 2023. This rise has been linked to El Niño and unplanned urban expansion.
In addition to vector-borne diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, climate change has worsened non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For example, Trinidad reported increased asthma-related hospital admissions due to higher temperatures, while Belize saw schoolchildren and vulnerable populations suffer from heat exposure.
In the Pacific Islands, extreme weather events have impacted food security and public health. In Fiji, increased rainfall and flooding have damaged crops, causing dietary changes and water-borne diseases.
Severe Weather Patterns Worsen in SIDS
The frequency and severity of extreme weather events in SIDS are expected to increase. The first Category 5 hurricane of 2024, “Beryl,” arrived unusually early, causing extensive damage in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Jamaica. This indicates an alarming trend of more intense and destructive hurricanes.
Tropical cyclones are also becoming more severe, with heavier rainfall that threatens infrastructure, agriculture, and public health systems in small island nations.
Innovative Climate Solutions for Health in SIDS
As climate challenges mount, experts, policymakers, and researchers are working to identify solutions. The University of the West Indies (UWI) is collaborating with other SIDS institutions to assess the impacts of climate change on public health. The 2024 Small Island Developing States Report by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change outlines strategies to protect SIDS communities.
The report highlights urban adaptation measures, such as increasing green spaces in cities to reduce heat exposure. This intervention could be life-saving in densely populated areas where heatwaves are becoming more frequent.
Additionally, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, researchers from UWI and Fiji National University presented findings on the connection between climate change and community health.
During COP29 in Azerbaijan, global health experts compiled a Special Report on Climate Change and Health, which outlines key recommendations for integrating health into climate change policies. The report emphasizes the importance of putting health at the center of climate action plans.
Access to Financing: A Critical Need for SIDS
While research offers actionable solutions, adequate financing remains essential for SIDS to effectively combat climate change. Without sufficient funding, adaptation efforts in vulnerable regions will fall short.
The urgency of addressing the health impacts of climate change in SIDS is clear. For these countries, adhering to global commitments and implementing recommended measures is essential to safeguard public health and prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
Dr. David Smith, Coordinator of the Institute for Sustainable Development at the University of the West Indies, and Neisha Manickchand, Project and Resource Mobilisation Officer at the same institute, stress the importance of immediate and sustainable climate action in SIDS.
Without decisive interventions and increased access to resources, the health crisis linked to climate change will continue to escalate in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
