National adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs) provide a process for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to identify priority activities that respond to their urgent and immediate needs to adapt to climate change – those for which further delay would increase vulnerability and/or costs at a later stage.
Tuvalu is one of the most vocal countries in the world at the international arena for a solution to the global issue of climate change and how it will affect low-lying countries like Tuvalu. Dependence on natural resources, inadequate infrastructure and human resources, low economic base and social development, and lack of institutional capacity make Tuvalu more vulnerable to adverse impacts of climate change, variability and extreme events.
Stakeholders’ pointed out during the NAPA stakeholders’ consultation that coastal erosion is a major problem; and for some families; lands have been lost as a consequence. Flooding, inundation and salinity intrusion especially into pulaka pits, shortage of potable water, destruction to primary sources of food and increasing frequency of natural disasters are other problems attributed to climate change, variability and extreme events. However, the problems are not limited to this list. Flooding and inundation provide suitable medium for vector breeding, and salinity intrusion enhanced by the porosity of soil in Tuvalu destroy pulaka crops and decrease fruit trees’ yields of coconut, banana and breadfruit – a major concern to food security. Increasing number of low rainfall days, prolonged droughts, high extreme temperature and evaporation are major problems for the agriculture and water sector, especially for the densely populated areas (Funafuti) and islands closer to the equator (northern islands). The frequency of extreme events like cyclones, storms and surges are increasing and exacerbating climate risks.It is envisaged that the above adverse effects of climate change, variability and extreme events noted by stakeholders’ will be disparaging to the development of Tuvalu, unless they are effectively addressed. The most damaging effects of climate change are tropical cyclones, coastal erosion, salinity intrusion and drought. These have been noted to affect crops, fruit trees and human livelihood.
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