Islands and Climate Change: Going Beyond Adaptation

On 7 February, Professor Francesco Sindico delivered a seminar on how islands are responding to the threat of climate change and, in the process, have proven to be driving forces of driving climate ambitions rather than a silent victim of climate change.

Professor Sindico began by setting the context of his work on islands and climate change, in particular the intersection between islands, sustainability, and public participation. He explained how islands are often perceived as rural and isolated places on the margins, but are in fact a centre of legal and socio-political discussions. Nonetheless, islands still face many challenges, such as depopulation, energy poverty, digital connectivity, transport, inaccessible housing, and tourism; his work with the Scottish government aims to address these challenges in the net zero transition. Professor Sindico concluded his presentation by highlighting the relationship that island matters share with public international law.

Following Professor Sindico’s presentation, Dr Linda Yanti Sulistiawati (APCEL Senior Research Fellow) took the floor as discussant to comment on Professor Sindico’s presentation and speak about islands in Southeast Asia.

The final segment of the seminar was an interactive Q&A session moderated by Dr Tara Davenport (APCEL Deputy Director). The panellists took questions on issues including the application of indigenous knowledge, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, disaster management in climate change adaptation, and increasing capacity building for island action.

Professor Francesco Sindico delivering his presentation

Dr Linda Yanti Sulistiawati delivering her presentation

Mathew BAIRD posing a question

Dr. Tara Davenport moderating a lively Q&A