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.
