Climate change and rising sea levels pose long-term threats to Fiji’s low-lying islands, says the Asian Development Bank in its latest Pacific Economic Monitor.

Climate change and rising sea levels pose long-term threats to Fiji’s low-lying islands, says the Asian Development Bank in its latest Pacific Economic Monitor.

It says these low lying areas will be increasingly susceptible to storm surges and flooding and may eventually become unsuitable for settlement, forcing many thousands of people to relocate and resulting in loss of life.

The Economic Monitor also states the situation is likely to be aggravated further by an increase in the number and intensity of cyclones.

It says aside from the direct impact on Fiji’s population, there will be a recurring threat to our tourism sector.

The destruction of business structures and public infrastructure will have serious economic consequences.

Since 2016, four category 5 tropical cyclones have struck Fiji which have resulted in a cumulative damage equivalent to 21.9% of GDP.

The reports forecasts the damages inflicted by tropical cyclones and floods also translate into an average of 25, 700 Fijians who are being pushed into poverty every year, and this could increase to an annual average of 32,400 Fijians forced into poverty by 2050.

It also says, extreme temperatures and variations in rainfall will affect agricultural output with serious consequences on food security and on households dependent on agricultural income.

Like other Pacific countries, Fiji’s health system is also vulnerable to the long-term impact of climate change through various diseases brought about by rising temperatures.