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There is no single approach to improving the ability of Forum Island Countries (FICs) to effectively respond to climate change. This paper provides a suite of options that can be considered by Pacific island countries to meet their diverse needs, aspirations and capacities. Implementation of these options, particularly at the national level, requires further country and donor specific considerations.

The 2011 Pacific Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Tracking Report recognises that the MDGs were intended as global targets; therefore they do not need to be, nor are they necessarily expected to be achieved in each and every country. This is especially true perhaps amongst many of the Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) which already had MDG and related human development indicators above the benchmark global averages set for 1990. Further, countries were encouraged to “localize” the global indicators to suit local circumstances and priorities. In the Pacific Papua New Guinea (PNG), which was well below global averages for many indicators at the time the MDGs were agreed, has set itself more meaningful targets for many of the Goals. It has thus given itself a realistic chance of achieving substantial improvements in human development, even if they fall somewhat short of the global targets. Other countries have added their own Goals, notably Cook Islands and Niue which have identified specific additional Goals on governance and sustainable population respectively; still others have localized the goals where some indicators have not been relevant, e.g. those PICs in which malaria is not endemic have focused on reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) instead.

Islanders, especially in the Pacific region, have a strong relationship with the land and ocean so changes in climate can represent a threat not only to the physical environment but also to their culture and customs. Already, people living in Pacific Islands and East Timor are experiencing changes in their climate such as higher temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns, changing frequencies of extreme events and rising sea levels. These changes are affecting peoples’ lives and livelihoods, as well as important industries such as agriculture and tourism. In recognition of this, leaders of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories developed the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006–2015 to guide the building of resilience to the risks and impacts of climate change.

Islanders, especially in the Pacific region, have a strong relationship with the land and ocean so changes in climate can represent a threat not only to the physical environment but also to their culture and customs. Already, people living in Pacific Islands and East Timor are experiencing changes in their climate such as higher temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns, changing frequencies of extreme events and rising sea levels. These changes are affecting peoples’ lives and livelihoods, as well as important industries such as agriculture and tourism. In recognition of this, leaders of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories developed the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006–2015 to guide the building of resilience to the risks and impacts of climate change.