The twin cyclones and an earthquake in just 48 hours remind the world that seismic and climate risks are converging and intensifying, and no community feels this stronger than those of the Blue Pacific Continent.
First, early warning for all is an imperative, and it needs to capture compounding risks.The UN Secretary-General highlighted that every person on the planet is to be covered by early warning systems by 2027. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) sets the increase in availability of and access to multi‑hazard early warning systems as a distinct target, Target G, to be achieved by 2030. As per the latest Sendai Framework reporting of Target G, large gaps remain for many Pacific SIDS.
Second, transformative adaptationsolutions are needed. To minimize and prevent systemic and cascading risk, we need to make new infrastructure and water resource management more resilient. Improving dryland crop production and using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as increasing mangroves protection are also priority adaptation solutions.
Third, the2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent provides a clear pathway.With the adoption of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent in July 2022, Pacific SIDS developed a clear pathway to synergize regional priorities with accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the SAMOA Pathway.