The Pacific Islands, known for their stunning beaches and clear waters, are a major draw for tourists, which plays a crucial role in the economies of many local countries. However, there is growing concern among the travel industry and those dependent on it regarding the effects of ongoing climate change.
Christopher Cocker, head of the Pacific Tourism Organisation, emphasizes that climate change is the leading threat to the livelihoods and well-being of Pacific communities. He warns that without prompt and innovative solutions, the region’s tourism future is highly uncertain. All Pacific islands are susceptible to climate change, but low-lying atolls such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia face the most severe risks, including sea-level rise, challenges in accessing fresh water, and increased frequency of droughts and erratic rainfall.
Additionally, the threat of severe tropical storms is becoming more pronounced. The Bureau of Meteorology in Australia has indicated a potential trend towards fewer but more intense cyclones in the Pacific. Locals in Tonga are already experiencing this shift, noting that stronger storms are occurring more frequently. Sione Taufa, an academic and business council member, reports that storms classified as category four or five are becoming more common.
This escalating danger has been highlighted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who recently urged major polluting nations to lower their greenhouse gas emissions during a meeting in Tonga. He noted that while small Pacific islands contribute little to climate change, they suffer disproportionately from its effects.
Fiji, a former British colony about a two-hour flight from Tonga, also attracts a significant number of tourists, with nearly a million visitors last year. However, the region is increasingly anxious about the impacts of climate change. Local organizations focused on environmental protection, such as the Mamanuca Environment Society, are working to restore mangroves and promote sustainable practices. Marica Vakacola from the organization reports that rising sea levels are contaminating freshwater sources and causing beach erosion and coral bleaching.
Susanne Becken, a sustainable tourism expert, raises concerns about potential conflicts over limited water resources, suggesting that tourists could inadvertently strain local supplies. During her research, she found some communities display a sense of helplessness towards climate change, viewing it as a problem beyond their control.
In the Cook Islands, a destination favored by Australians and New Zealanders, the tourism infrastructure is heavily concentrated along the coastlines. Brad Kirner, director of destination development at Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, acknowledges that discussions regarding climate change are challenging but essential. He stresses that the islands bear witness to climate change’s immediate effects, despite contributing very little to the problem on a global scale.
While despair over climate change is palpable, many in the Pacific Islands are resilient and determined to face the challenges head-on. Sione Taufa notes the importance of community support systems and emphasizes that, although they welcome aid, they do not view themselves as victims but as survivors ready to face adversity together.