Assessment of the health impacts of climate change in Kiribati

Abstract

Kiribati-a low-lying, resource-poor Pacific atoll nation-is one of the most vulnerable countries in the World to the impacts of climate change, including the likely detrimental effects on human health. We describe the preparation of a climate change and health adaptation plan for Kiribati carried out by the World Health Organization and the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services, including an assessment of risks to health, sources of vulnerability and suggestions for highest priority adaptation responses. This paper identifies advantages and disadvantages in the process that was followed, lays out a future direction of climate change and health adaptation work in Kiribati, and proposes lessons that may be applicable to other small, developing island nations as they prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change on health.

Figure 1

Map of Kiribati (source: Office of Te Beretitenti, Government of Kiribati).

Figure 2

Overview of climate change and health vulnerabilities in Pacific island countries.

Figure 3

Steps in assessing vulnerability and adaptation (Source: Kovats et al., 2003 [20]).

Figure 4

Average monthly rainfall (Kiribati), and reported cases of diarrhoea (all ages) in Betio district, South Tarawa, 2009–2010.