17 February 2025, Pohnpei - The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) faces serious and increasing impacts of climate change. The Pacific nation has suffered from stronger tropical cyclones, typhoons, storm surges and droughts.
As a large ocean state with many dispersed and isolated atolls, rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the long-term habitability of some low-lying islands. Sea level has risen and is projected to rise further in future.
An analysis of FSM’s climate averages, variability, trends and projections undertaken as part of the Climate Impact, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (CIVRA) shows that Pohnpei has warmed by 0.31 °F per decade on average since 1952, with maximum temperatures increasing faster than minimum temperatures.
Climate models indicate annual average temperatures will continue to increase in Pohnpei, and this elevates the risk of more heatwaves, with both observed and projected changes in ocean chemistry exacerbating temperature related impacts for marine ecosystems.
Against this backdrop, it is critical for FSM to adapt to these changes. In 2024, the Pacific nation made up of four states, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap held the FSM National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Inception and Implementation Planning Workshop, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and delivered by the Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Programme (SPREP.
Last week, another critical step of this work was taken with the FSM NAP Pohnpei State Inception and Implementation Planning Workshop, the first of a series of workshops to be held in different states.
FSM’s Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM), Hon. Andrew R. Yatilman said the workshops are designed to help the country understand current and future climate predictions so they can better adapt.
“We all know that efforts to limit emissions of greenhouse gases are not sufficient. The only option for small island nations like FSM is to adapt to the impacts of climate change for our people not just to live life but to survive,” said Hon. Yatilman.
For Pohnpei, the Secretary of DECEM said the workshop allows more state stakeholders to meaningfully participate and engage to provide guidance and feedback on climate change impacts unique to Pohnpei and its outer islands.
“I know that Pohnpei State Government has its own climate change adaptation priorities and unique social and economic challenges as well as cultural aspects and traditions and this workshop provides a perfect opportunity to raise those issues and concerns with the project management team so that these are taken into consideration when activities of the project are rolled out at state level,” said Hon. Yatilman.
“DECEM will not be able to implement this project on its own. All government departments at national and state levels, civil societies, private sector, communities and our partners must all work together to develop our National Adaptation Plan that will set out how we adapt to survive the changing climate.”
FSM has made significant progress towards strengthening legal and policy framework for climate change adaptation, with a national climate change policy and Joint State Action Plan (JSAP) for each of FSM’s four States addressing climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.
Through the Readiness Fund from the Green Climate Fund for adaptation planning, FSM through the NAP project will work towards developing an overarching National Adaptation Plan (NAP) through a comprehensive consultative adaptation planning process.
Executive Officer for EPA Pohnpei, Mr Franciso Celestine, encouraged participants at the workshop that their presence signified their collective commitment towards the sustainable development of Pohnpei.
“Pohnpei state plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of this plan,” he said. “Our unique environmental and cultural landscape demands our attention and proactive measures to ensure resilience against climate change impacts. Together we have the opportunity to shape a future that prioritises the wellbeing of our communities and ecosystems.”
Held from 4-6 February 2025 at the Gonzaga Hall, the FSM NAP Pohnpei State Inception and Implementation Planning Workshop was to engage with stakeholder on project direction and exchange knowledge of adaptations gaps and needs, challenges and lesson learnt, from similar projects.