Small Island Developing States

A first-of-its-kind review provides valuable evidence that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can be effective climate adaptation strategies in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with broadly positive social, ecological, and economic outcomes.

This case study examines how participatory mapping and community-led planning in Old Providence and Santa Catalina (Colombia) enabled residents to co-create locally grounded adaptation roadmaps after Hurricane Iota, while revealing the structural, economic, and psychosocial barriers that continue to influence just and sustainable recovery in small island contexts.

The International Court of Justice, the UN’s judicial authority, recently ruled that countries are legally obliged to protect and prevent harm to the environment, and that countries must take action to reduce climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. SEI researchers each reflect on the ICJ’s recent ruling.

Rewriting the rules on how climate adaptation and resilience are supported in the most exposed and vulnerable communities