Pacific region to 'lose most due to climate change'

Countries in the Pacific stand to make the biggest losses as a result of climate change, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Countries throughout the Pacific region could lose up to 12.7 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) as a result of environmental changes caused by global warming, including rising sea levels, warmer temperatures and more volatile weather.

The lender suggests in its latest report, entitled 'Economics of Climate Change in the Pacific', that Papua New Guinea is likely to be the worse hit when it comes to climate change. It is likely, said the bank, that the country could lose around 15.2 per cent of its GDP by 2100.

Other countries that are likely to be affected as environmental changes caused by global warming become more pronounced are the Solomon Islands, which could lose 4.7 per cent of its GDP, Fiji (four per cent), Vanuatu (6.2 per cent), Timor Leste (ten per cent) and Samoa (3.8 per cent).

Xianbin Yao, director general of ADB's Pacific department, said: "It is critical that countries contributing to the problem of climate change step up to assist Pacific friends and neighbours in the fight to protect their countries against natural disasters, crop losses, and forced migration. Our findings show that if not adequately addressed, climate change could overturn the region’s development achievements.”

The report suggested that part of the problem for the loss of GDP will be the increase in temperature throughout the Pacific region. A 'medium emissions scenario' detailed in the report states that temperatures could increase by two to three degrees Celsius by 2070 in the Solomon Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu and Timor-Leste. 

This rise in temperature could damage fish catches, rain-fed agriculture and result in coral bleaching. It is also likely to affect tourism numbers over the years. The biggest damage to the economy, according to ADB, is the decline of agriculture throughout the Pacific.