By 2050, Fiji’s annual losses due to extreme weather events could reach 6.5 per cent of GDP because of the impact of climate change, with more than 32,000 people pushed into hardship every year, a study says.

The study is in a significant new climate vulnerability report.

It was launched at the COP23 side event in Bonn, Germany.

‘Climate Vulnerability Assessment: Making Fiji Climate Resilient’, which was prepared in partnership with the World Bank and Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), was launched at COP23 by Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Climate Change, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. An estimated FJ$9.3 billion (US$4.5 billion) over 10 years – almost equivalent to 100 per cent of the country’s GDP for one year – is needed to build the resilience and capacity to adapt to climate change.

The Vulnerability Assessment provides significant new analysis of Fiji’s vulnerability to climate change, with projections outlining potential impacts for Fiji over the coming decades, covering the impact of climate change on Fiji’s economy, livelihoods and poverty levels, health and food security.

It will also impact key industries;  agriculture and tourism and low lying coastal areas and islands.

Edited by Naisa Koroi