Since 2005, public policy expert Marie Altagrace “Astride” Nazaire has represented Haiti as a diplomat at the United Nations. In her work, Astride Nazaire addresses policy regarding issues such as poverty, international migration and development, and climate change. She is particularly interested in how climate change affects small-island developing states (SIDS).
While climate change represents a threat to the health of all nations, the 52 SIDS around the world are especially vulnerable to its effects on the planet. Evidence suggests that a sea-level rise caused by climate change could force some coastal populations to relocate within the next 10 years.
In addition to raising sea levels, climate change affects weather patterns, leading to increased temperatures and rainfall. A continued rise in sea-surface temperature will eventually degrade coral reef ecosystems, which many SIDS depend on to provide food and support activities related to tourism. Increased heat, rainfall, and extreme weather events can also contaminate drinking water and facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
To assess risks and help SIDS adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, groups around the world are partnering to take action. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November 2017, the World Health Organization, along with the U.N. and the president of Fiji, announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at protecting SIDS residents. The initiative will focus on ensuring that all SIDS develop “climate-proof” health systems by 2030.
