Climate change adaptation in small island developing states : a focus on European Union overseas development assistance to least developed countries

Abstract

The research problem addressed in this dissertation is the issue of climate change, in relation to a distinct group of developing countries and territories, which are highly sensitive to climate change - the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). They are projected to be amongst the first countries to experience the more severe impacts of climate change. The rise in sea-level and the changing weather patterns, particularly the severe floods and droughts, are directly affecting their exposure to poverty, hunger and diseases, amongst other impacts, and this in tum is affecting their development process. Furthermore, SIDS that are also Least Developed Countries are more likely to be vulnerable to these climate change impacts, due to being the poorest and weakest of both the SIDS and the international community. Thus, the 'solution' to the key research problem the issue of climate change - is climate change adaptation. To better adapt to climate change, the European Union (EU) provides its assistance to these developing countries, particularly to the SIDS, which are also LDCs - this being the focus of the dissertation. Thus, my research question is: 'How, and to what degree, is the EU assisting SIDS, that are also LDCs, to adapt to climate change?'. The aim of this research is to see whether the dialogue and cooperation between the EU and SIDS is helping them face the challenges posed by climate change, through adaptation. The focus of this research are two SIDS that are also LDCs - the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, who were allocated the most funds from the 10th EDF (2008-2013). The two objectives, and purpose of this research, are: to see how these two LDCs are adapting to climate change; and how the policies and cooperation on the ground between the EU and these LDCs are helping in the process of their development. To answer this research question, a content analysis of the CSPs and NIPs of Haiti and Guinea-Bissau was conducted. From the content analysis of the CSP and NIP of Guinea-Bissau and Haiti, it has emerged that the EU assists SIDS in the areas>which are of priority both to adapt to climate change but>which also benefits the development process. The common strategic approach, directed towards these SIDS that are also LDCs, is to reduce poverty, and eventually eradicate it; to integrate such countries within the world's economy; and to assist their respective governments with achieving their MDGs. The EC response strategy provides both support for the government's reform agenda; as well as provides funds for the implementation of projects within various areas. With regards to their development process, the EU aims to contribute both directly and indirectly to the country's process in achieving the MDGs.