The Pacific Islands, renowned for their clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests, are a major attraction for tourism, a vital industry for many of the region’s economies. However, the growing threat of climate change is raising concerns within the tourism sector and among those whose livelihoods depend on it.
Christopher Cocker, CEO of the Pacific Tourism Organisation, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Pacific Island leaders have identified climate change as the biggest threat to the security, livelihoods, and well-being of Pacific communities.” He warned that without urgent and innovative measures, the future of tourism in the region is at risk.
Cocker also pointed out that all Pacific islands are vulnerable to climate change, with low-lying atolls like Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia being particularly at risk. These islands face the dual challenges of rising sea levels, especially during king tides, and difficulties in accessing clean drinking water due to erratic weather patterns and prolonged droughts.
Additionally, the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms are a growing concern. While Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology suggests future cyclones may become fewer but more severe, locals in Tonga are already experiencing stronger storms more frequently. Sione Taufa, a dean at the University of Auckland, shared that while cyclones were once rare, powerful category four and five storms are now more common.
This vulnerability was underscored by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who recently attended the Pacific Island Forum and called on major polluting nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. “Pacific islands contribute little to climate change, but they bear the brunt of its consequences,” Guterres said.
Fiji, a popular tourist destination, is also grappling with climate-related challenges. Marica Vakacola from the Mamanuca Environment Society highlighted the growing risks of water scarcity, with rising sea levels contaminating freshwater sources with saltwater and coral bleaching becoming more frequent due to warmer seas.
Professor Susanne Becken, an expert in sustainable tourism, warns that water shortages could create tensions between local communities and the tourism industry, as tourists often consume the same water that locals rely on. Her research in Fiji and the Cook Islands revealed a sense of fatalism among some residents, who feel powerless against climate change, which is seen as a global issue beyond their control.
However, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s Brad Kirner acknowledges the difficult conversations surrounding climate change, especially given the contribution of travel to global warming. He stresses the need for serious adaptation strategies while recognizing the region’s small carbon footprint compared to the global scale.
Despite these challenges, Pacific communities remain resilient. Taufa emphasizes that while international aid is welcomed, Pacific Islanders pride themselves on their self-reliance and community support systems.
