Climate change will have a negative impact on the overall productivity of agriculture and forestry across the Pacific Islands region in the coming decades, posing a critical load on food supply systems, economies and livelihoods. That is a key message in a landmark book released today by the Pacific Community (SPC), with the funding support from Australia, in the presence of representatives of more than 20 Pacific Island countries and territories at SPC headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia. The book finds that adopting “climate-smart” methods now will allow breathing space to ensure the region’s agriculture and forestry sectors can continue to meet the immediate needs of growing populations while future planning takes place. Yet climate change may have a positive impact on some crops, including breadfruit, and such opportunities should be maximised where possible. The 550-page book, entitled Vulnerability of Pacific Agriculture and Forestry to Climate Change, was developed over two years, with 23 authors contributing to its content.
