Solomon Islands

It takes only 142 days for the average Canadian to produce as much greenhouse gases as the average Solomon Islander will produce over the course of the entire year.  Therefore, May 22nd (142 days into the year) is "Climate Change Impacts in Solomon Islands Day."

According to the country’s National Adaptation Programme of Action, climate change impacts already being felt in the Solomon Islands include “loss of soil moisture due to prolonged drought and loss of fertile land from river and coastal flooding” and damage to property “when severe storm surges start causing erosion to the coast lines”.  Also, tropical cyclones, which often occur, are increasing in intensity.  

Agriculture is expected to be negatively affected by “extreme events (cyclones and floods) as well as slower impacts from temperature changes, salt-water intrusion and changing patterns of pests and diseases.  Droughts, floods, storm surges, temperature changes, continuous heavy rain and prolonged cloud cover cause stress and shock to crops affecting production through soil leaching, erosion and low or destroyed yields.”  Although it may seem odd to have droughts and floods listed side by side, extreme climate variability is expected to become the norm.