What climate changes are occurring in Palau, and what’s next?
- Changing rainfall patterns: Rainfall during both the wet and dry season is expected to increase over the 21st century, consistent with the expected intensification of the West Pacific Monsoon.
- More extreme rainfall days, but less frequent typhoons: Coupled with the increases in average rainfall expected, days of extreme rainfall are expected to be more frequent. While the number of typhoons may decrease, those that do hit are expected to be more powerful. Average wind speeds are expected to increase between 2 and 11%, while rainfall intensity may increase 20% within 100km of the centre.
- Temperatures have, and will continue to increase: Maximum Temperatures have increased at a rate of 0.11°C per decade since 1953. Temperatures will continue to increase, with more days classified as ‘very hot’.
- The seas are rising, and are more acidic: Under a high emissions scenario, sea level is expected to rise by between 4cm – 15cm by 2030. Combined with natural variation, sea level rise will accentuate storm surges and coastal flooding, already a problem for many island states. Increased acidification damages corals ability to form, upsetting the already delicate ecosystem.
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More detailed information from the Australian Government’s ‘Pacific Climate Change Science Program’ can be downloaded here –> Palau Climate Change Factsheet PDF.
What is the Government doing about Climate Change?
At the Pacific Climate Change Portal, a list of the ongoing climate change adaptation activities occurring in Palau shows when particular projects began and when they finished. Additionally, by clicking here you can view Palau’s 2009 Strategic Action Plan for the Energy Sector. It details, amongst other things, plans for a 20 % contribution of renewable energy to Palau energy mix by 2020 and a 30 % reduction in energy consumption though energy efficiency and conservation efforts.
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We’re currently in contact with a number of our team coordinators, representatives and volunteers on the ground in the Pacific Region – compiling information on the key climate issues facing the country, what our teams are doing locally, and how local groups are standing up and confronting the challenge of climate change.
As we compile more information, this link will be appropriately updated. So check back soon!
350 Pacific team