Small Island Developing States occupy the imagination of the larger world as paradises for our enjoyment, forever frozen in time in perfection. The reality is that over extraction is making the most vulnerable nations to climate change. From the exportation (or theft) of sand, to produce, pharmaceuticals, defense testing, to energy production, multiple global supply chains begin in SIDS. So even if your imagination will allow for the loss of paradise, question whether it will allow for the loss of your own critical needs. 

Introduction

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are often romanticized as paradises, offering idyllic escapes to travelers from around the globe. This romanticism stands in stark contrast to reality.  SIDS are among the most vulnerable regions to climate change, facing threats that endanger their ecosystems, economies, and way of life. These islands also play an essential role in global supply chains, from the extraction of natural resources to serving as pivotal points for pharmaceutical research and production. Reflecting on the  precarious situation of SIDS is not simply about rescuing communities from the throws of climate change. They hold a critical significance to global supply chains, and the legal frameworks governing their exploitation and protection.

Fragile paradises

SIDS face a myriad of challenges that jeopardize their survival and prosperity. Climate change is the most pressing threat, as rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and ocean acidification severely impact these regions. According to a study by Nature Communications, the vulnerability of SIDS to climate change is unparalleled due to their geographical and economic characteristics. Rising sea levels threaten to submerge entire islands, while increased storm intensity and frequency devastate infrastructure and disrupt livelihoods. The economic dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like tourism and agriculture exacerbates these vulnerabilities.

In addition to climate-related challenges, SIDS are subject to extensive exploitation of their natural resources. The exportation of sand, essential for construction and other industries, has led to the degradation of coastal ecosystems. Sand mafias operate with impunity in some regions, stripping beaches and riverbeds of this crucial resource. For instance, in the Caribbean, sand theft has become a rampant issue, leading to severe coastal erosion and loss of habitat. This not only impacts the local environment but also the tourism industry, which relies heavily on pristine beaches.

Agricultural produce, pharmaceuticals, and even locations for movie productions are heavily drawn from these islands, often without fair compensation or sustainable practices. Puerto Rico, for instance, plays a significant role in the global pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing many critical drugs. However, the exploitation of its natural and human resources often occurs without adequate environmental safeguards or benefits to local communities.

The strategic importance of SIDS in global supply chains cannot be overstated. Many of these islands are located along critical maritime routes and serve as hubs for energy production and military operations. Trinidad and Tobago, for example, is a major player in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. It is the second-largest exporter of LNG in the Western Hemisphere, with significant contributions to the global energy supply. However, this also means that the islands are susceptible to geopolitical tensions and environmental risks associated with energy extraction and transportation.

Moreover, US military activities in locations like the Marshall Islands and Puerto Rico have had long-lasting impacts on local environments and communities. The Marshall Islands, subjected to extensive nuclear testing during the mid-20th century, continues to grapple with the environmental and health consequences of these activities. Similarly, Vieques, Puerto Rico, was used for naval training exercises, resulting in widespread contamination and health issues for its residents .

Hawaii, although not classified as a SIDS, faces similar environmental justice issues due to extensive military presence and activities. Native Hawaiian communities have long protested against the environmental degradation and cultural disruption caused by military installations and exercises. The contamination of water sources and sacred lands has had severe impacts on local ecosystems and the health of indigenous populations. This situation mirrors the struggles faced by many SIDS, where military and commercial interests often overshadow the well-being of local communities.

International legal lifelines

Several international legal frameworks and guidelines govern the relationship between SIDS and the global community. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement outline commitments to mitigate climate change impacts, with specific provisions for the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS. The UNFCCC, established in 1992, aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, builds on this by setting more ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing adaptive capacities, with a specific recognition of the disproportionate impacts of climate change on SIDS. These agreements provide a platform for SIDS to advocate for increased climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building efforts to enhance their resilience against climate-related threats.

Additionally, maritime laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), regulate maritime boundaries and resource exploitation, including energy commerce treaties that affect SIDS. UNCLOS, adopted in 1982, establishes guidelines for the use of the world's seas and oceans, ensuring the protection of marine environments and the equitable use of marine resources. For SIDS, UNCLOS is crucial in defending their territorial waters from overexploitation and ensuring that any commercial activities, such as deep-sea mining and energy extraction, do not compromise their marine ecosystems. Furthermore, UNCLOS provides a framework for dispute resolution, which is vital for SIDS in asserting their rights against more powerful states or corporations engaged in extractive activities within their maritime zones.

SIDS are also expected to join the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law. This initiative aims to seek assistance from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) to hold major polluting states accountable for carbon emissions, marine pollution, and rising sea levels. These legal measures are critical in ensuring that the responsibilities of major polluters are addressed, providing SIDS with the necessary support and justice in the face of climate challenges. By leveraging ITLOS, SIDS can pursue legal action to compel major polluters to reduce their emissions and provide compensation for the damages caused by climate change, thus ensuring that the principle of "polluter pays" is upheld.

The UN decade of consultations on Afro-descendants and Indigenous peoples aimed to address historical injustices and promote sustainable development in these communities. Launched in 2015, this initiative sought to enhance the recognition, justice, and development of Afro-descendant and Indigenous populations worldwide. For SIDS, many of which have significant Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities, this decade of consultations was intended to provide a framework for addressing issues of marginalization, land rights, and cultural preservation. However, the outcomes of these consultations have been mixed, with limited tangible benefits for many SIDS. Despite the initiative's goals, the practical implementation of its recommendations has often fallen short, leaving many communities without the necessary resources and support to achieve sustainable development and resilience against external pressures.

Relevance to SIDS issues

The UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement are directly relevant to the climate vulnerabilities of SIDS. These agreements offer a structured approach for SIDS to demand global action on climate change, access financial resources, and implement adaptive measures. By participating in these frameworks, SIDS can highlight their unique challenges, ensuring that international climate policies are inclusive and supportive of their needs.

UNCLOS is critical in addressing the overexploitation of SIDS' natural resources. By asserting their maritime rights under UNCLOS, SIDS can better control and manage activities within their territorial waters, safeguarding their marine environments from destructive practices like illegal sand mining and unsustainable fishing. This legal framework empowers SIDS to protect their ecosystems and ensure that any commercial exploitation is conducted responsibly and sustainably.

The efforts through the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law to engage ITLOS underscore the importance of holding major polluters accountable. This legal avenue provides SIDS with a mechanism to seek reparations for the environmental and economic damages caused by climate change, reinforcing the global responsibility towards mitigating climate impacts and supporting vulnerable nations.

The decade of consultations on Afro-descendants and Indigenous peoples relates to the broader issues of social and environmental justice within SIDS. Many of these islands have rich cultural heritages threatened by external exploitation and environmental degradation. While the initiative aimed to address these concerns, the limited success highlights the need for more robust and actionable policies that genuinely uplift these communities and integrate their voices into sustainable development planning.

Unpacking the challenges SIDS face

The challenges faced by SIDS are multifaceted and deeply intertwined with global economic and political dynamics. Climate change poses an existential threat, with sea-level rise and extreme weather events causing irreversible damage to infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihoods. The global community's response has been inadequate, with climate finance and adaptation support falling short of what is needed. Despite the pledges made under international agreements like the Paris Agreement, the funds available for adaptation and mitigation efforts remain insufficient to address the urgent needs of SIDS.

Exploitation of natural resources in SIDS exacerbates their vulnerabilities. The sand mining industry, for example, operates with little regard for environmental sustainability, leading to coastal erosion and habitat destruction. In regions like the Caribbean, illegal sand mining has stripped beaches bare, causing significant ecological and economic damage. The loss of sand not only affects local biodiversity but also undermines coastal defenses against storm surges and erosion.

Agricultural exports and pharmaceutical extractions similarly impose significant ecological and social costs on these islands. The global demand for these resources often overlooks the necessity of fair trade practices and sustainable exploitation. For example, Puerto Rico’s pharmaceutical sector, while economically significant, raises concerns about environmental degradation and labor exploitation. Similarly, the extraction of agricultural products from these islands frequently occurs without ensuring sustainable practices that protect the land and provide fair wages to local farmers.

Maritime law and energy commerce treaties play a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of SIDS. These islands often serve as transit points for global energy supplies, making them strategically important. Trinidad and Tobago's role in the LNG market underscores this importance, but it also highlights the environmental risks associated with energy extraction and transportation. Oil spills, gas leaks, and other environmental hazards pose significant threats to marine and coastal ecosystems in these regions.

The UN decade of consultations on Afro-descendants and Indigenous peoples aimed to promote justice and sustainable development, yet the implementation of these goals has been inconsistent. Many SIDS continue to face significant challenges in securing fair treatment and adequate support from the international community. Despite the recognition of historical injustices and the need for sustainable development, practical measures to support these communities have often been lacking. The consultation outcomes have not always translated into actionable policies, leaving many Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities in SIDS without the necessary resources and support to thrive.

The environmental justice issues in Hawaii provide a stark example of the broader struggles faced by SIDS. Native Hawaiian protests against military activities highlight the detrimental effects of external forces on local environments and communities. The contamination of water sources, such as the Red Hill fuel storage leaks, and the desecration of sacred sites underscore the ongoing conflict between military interests and indigenous rights. These issues are reflective of the broader environmental and social justice challenges faced by many SIDS, where external exploitation often comes at the expense of local well-being and sustainability.

Call to action

SIDS occupy a unique and critical position in the global ecosystem. Their vulnerability to climate change and overexploitation of resources poses significant risks not only to their inhabitants but to the broader global community. The preservation of SIDS is essential for maintaining the integrity of global supply chains and protecting the diverse cultures and ecosystems these islands support.

It is imperative that the international community strengthens legal protections for SIDS, ensuring sustainable practices and fair trade. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by SIDS, we can work towards a more equitable and resilient global system. The loss of these paradises is not just a loss for their inhabitants; it is a loss for the world.