SciDev.Net

Small islands are vulnerable to storms

Flickr/ robertpaulyoung

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contribute less than 0.02 per cent to the growth of global greenhouse gas emissions but they are among the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change.

Many SIDS cannot cope with the consequences of rising sea levels and damage from more frequent storms, floods and stronger cyclones caused by global warming.

While these nations need their fair share of aid and technical assistance, they should also take the lead by cutting down on their own emissions, Roper suggests.

Utility companies — key players in island economies — need to look into improving production efficiency and working with their clients to reduce usage, as well as considering alternative 'clean' energy sources.

But Roper says that the real work of slowing, and then stopping, global warming needs to come from those developed countries that emit the most greenhouse gases.

Link to full article in Tiempo Climate Newswatch