Enhancing sustainable development through implementation of climate goals in Pacific Island Nations: A call for unified action

Abstract

Pacific small island developing states (SIDS) face the extreme adverse effects of climate change despite being the least contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. To be an example to the global community, Pacific SIDS have set targets for their individual country's nationally determined contributions (NDCs) which is their legal obligation under the Paris Agreement. In addition to NDCs, Pacific SIDS are also working towards the achievement of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, the progress of in achieving the SDGs is the slowest in the Asia-Pacific region. The objectives of this paper are to map how NDCs are aligned to SDGs in the pacific region, discuss the barriers faced by the region, and propose strategies to enhance the simultaneous achievement of sustainable development and climate goals. Barriers for the region in achieving the two goals include lack of coordination among various stakeholders, limited availability/accessibility of reliable data for planning, lack of human capacity and adequate financing to implement planned actions and lack of effective monitoring and evaluation of existing projects/programmes. This paper attempts to suggest strategies for addressing these barriers. Understanding the importance of linking Pacific NDCs with SDGs will strengthen efforts to achieve overall sustainable development and help mitigate climate change impacts. This study will inform institutions in the Pacific region to not view the two goals separately but to integrate them.