About SIDS

SIDS: Navigating A Sustainable Future

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are the frontline of multiple world crises – including climate change, COVID-19 recovery, and debt.

These small countries are amongst the most beautiful on the planet. They are the stewards of our oceans. But the crises they face are becoming more intense and interconnected.

Climate-related disasters have almost doubled over the last 20 years and they affect SIDS like no other countries. In a sudden-onset disaster, SIDS can lose everything overnight.

SIDS are responsible for only 0.2% of global carbon emissions and yet suffer most from the impacts of climate change. The constant cycle of disaster and recovery leaves them weakened and unable to build resilience.

Yet islanders are leading the global fight against climate change, by finding innovative ways to protect their homelands, cultures and livelihoods against rising temperatures and sea levels.

Economies of Scale

The problems faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are anything but small.

Their very geographies and demographics force them to manage evolving and ever-more interlinked challenges, with fewer and harder-to-obtain resources.

Put simply: everything is more expensive for SIDS because they are remote and have less economies of scale.

Resources to learn more about SIDS:

• Small Island Developing States
• About SIDS