The Rising Threat of Climate Change in Kiribati

The briefing note concerns climate realities - principally sea level rise and migration - faced by Kiribati, a small Pacific island nation. The piece looks at the legal and policy landscape of climate induced migration, moral imperative for global cooperation, and response pathways. Martin proposes four key responses applicable for Kiribati but with global relevance: (1) address the absence of legal recognition of climate refugees; (2) develop a burden-sharing funding mechanism to alleviate strain on host countries from increasing migration; (3) deliver greater investment in adaptation projects in at-risk countries to reduce the need for migration; and (4) address the root of global warning by reducing carbon emissions. Full briefing note here.