Parallels can be drawn between the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis.

Firstly, it is clear that the pandemic and the climate crisis will impact the poor, vulnerable and marginalized communities (e.g. women, children, people living with disabilities, etc.) more severely because of existing inequalities.

Secondly, climate impacts and the pandemic act as poverty multipliers, forcing families into extreme poverty because they have to pay for health care services.

Thirdly, given the Pacific’s geographical makeup, isolation, and insufficient resources, the majority of its population has limited access to the most basic health services.

In situations like this — and in a business-as-usual scenario — inequality is exacerbated, impacting on the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized.

Some health impacts have a clear link to climate change. The increasing frequency and strength of extreme weather events causes public health challenges, due to widespread physical injuries and an increased need for psychosocial support.

Furthermore, slow onset impacts bring changes to livelihood and nutrition patterns, which in turn creates health challenges such as non-communicable diseases and an increased need for access to affordable essential medicines.

One thing is certain: The intensity of health shocks and climate disasters in our vulnerable Pacific Island nations will continue to grow, placing a huge burden on the region.