Small-Island Developing States Archives - State of the Planet

people seated at tables around a square in a large room

Climate School Co-Hosts COP27 Dialogue on Accelerating Climate Breakthroughs in Small Island Nations

Leaders from all over the world shared stories of climate action and developed plans to advance action and resilience. This conversation is just the beginning.

by |November 10, 2022
kiribati beach

Optimism, But Also a Hard Bottom Line for Island States

“Reaching an agreement would firstly mean an increase in awareness for the particular situation faced by small island developing states. States such as Kiribati are on the front line of climate change since they are already experiencing its effects, and an agreement would enhance recognition of [their] vulnerability.”

by |December 10, 2015

From Waterloo to Paris: Students Serve as Delegates for Kiribati

Students from 28 masters in development practice programs, including the Earth Institute’s Masters in Public Administration-Development Practice at Columbia, are participating in various ways at the climate talks in Paris.

by |December 1, 2015
Map showing loss and damage associated with coastal erosion in Micronesia, Kosrae

Coastal Erosion and Adaptation to Climate Change

Increasing understanding of the extent of coastal erosion and its interaction with other naturally existing geographical features such as mangrove vegetation is one of the areas of research that may help reduce vulnerability of small-island developing states to climate hazards.

Latest Environmental Performance Index Introduces New Indicators

Innovations in the 2014 EPI include a new wastewater treatment indicator; a new approach to climate change indicators; and two new satellite-derived indicators for air quality and forests.

by |January 25, 2014