Small Island States and Sustainable Development: Strategic Issues and Experience

Many small islands are particularly vulnerable to the adverse consequences of climate change such as sea-level rise, coral bleaching, and the increased frequency and intensity of tropical storms. Indeed, sea level rise has been the principal galvanising issue bringing many small island developing states together for the first time. These concerns have been addressed at various international meetings. At the Second World Climate Conference in 1990, coastal and small island States formed the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to demand action on climate change and its impacts.