A new study by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) has warned that Fiji and other small island states could face devastating economic losses if urgent climate adaptation measures are not implemented, while timely action could save billions in weather-related damage.
The study examined Fiji alongside the Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius, Marshall Islands and Barbados, finding that without adaptation these island nations could suffer losses of up to US$25 billion and combined GDP losses of US$117 billion by 2050.
Climate adaptation refers to measures that help countries adjust to the impacts of climate change, including flood protection, drought-resistant crops, stronger infrastructure and restoring natural ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs.
The report highlights Fiji as having major opportunities for nature-based solutions.
Geospatial assessments have identified tens of thousands of hectares suitable for mangrove and reef restoration, which could reduce flood damage by more than US$47 million annually by 2050—delivering benefits more than five times greater than the costs.
“Small Island Developing States face an existential threat,” said Jamal Saghir and Ede Ijjasz-Vásquez, Co-Directors of the report.
“The SIDS finance gap is small in global terms but existential for island economies. The priorities are clear: close the grant deficit, mainstream adaptation into national budgets, scale blended finance, and relieve debt burdens.”
The study also notes that tourism and fisheries—key pillars of Fiji’s economy—are increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, coral bleaching and extreme weather. Investing an estimated US$3.8 billion globally by 2050 could significantly strengthen protection for vulnerable island nations.
Despite progress, gaps remain. Only 39 percent of small island states report having multi-hazard early warning systems, and basic climate observation systems are critically underfunded. The report urges stronger investment in early warning systems, climate services and community-led resilience planning.
While 172 countries now have national adaptation plans, the GCA warns that implementation is lagging behind the scale of climate impacts—especially for developing island nations like Fiji, where adaptation is no longer optional but essential for survival.
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