Climate risk country profile: Kiribati

This profile is intended to serve as public goods to facilitate upstream country diagnostics, policy dialogue, and strategic planning by providing comprehensive overviews of trends and projected changes in key climate parameters, sector-specific implications, relevant policies and programs, adaptation priorities and opportunities for further actions. Kiribati is a nation of 32 coral atolls and one raised limestone island, located in the central Pacific Ocean. Kiribati is amongst the most vulnerable nations to climate change on Earth. As an extremely isolated and very low-lying island nation, Kiribati faces considerable risk from climate variability and sea-level rise. 

Key messages from this climate risk profile include: 

• Kiribati’s island groups have experienced historical warming of between 0.1°C–0.2°C per decade since 1950.
• Kiribati faces a diverse set of risks from climate change but data and reliable model projections are lacking, presenting challenges for decision makers.
•   Biodiversity and the natural environment of Kiribati face extreme pressure, and loss of some species of fish, coral, bird, and terrestrial species is likely without very effective conservation measures
• Communities are likely to need support to adapt and manage disaster risks facing their wellbeing, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Geographic isolation and economic vulnerabilities, including dependence on remittance and foreign aid, will increase the challenges faced by communities and decision makers