HydrometPAC

The South Pacific is one of the world’s most climate-exposed regions, a vast oceanic zone of small island developing states (SIDS) that sit on the frontline of climate change. From intensifying tropical cyclones and prolonged droughts to coastal erosion, king tides, flash floods and coral-reef degradation, the Pacific’s weather and water systems are changing faster than ever before.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation’s State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific reports, the region is experiencing:

• More frequent and intense extreme events, including cyclones, marine heatwaves and heavy rainfall linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles.

• Rising sea levels (up to 4 mm per year, higher than the global average) threatening coastlines, infrastructure and livelihoods.

• Severe droughts and freshwater stress in low-lying atolls and coral islands, particularly during La Niña years.

• Disruption of food security and ecosystems through saltwater intrusion, reef bleaching and changes to ocean currents.

For Pacific nations whose economies depend on fisheries, agriculture, tourism and coastal ecosystems, these impacts are already translating into economic and social costs. Strengthening hydrological, meteorological and climate services is essential to protecting lives, sustaining development, and building a climate-ready future across the Pacific.

The Pacific region already has a strong history of regional cooperation on weather, water and climate. The Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC), under the Pacific Meteorological Desk Partnership (PMDP) coordinated by SPREP, provides a trusted regional governance mechanism. Through it, Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) are advancing national meteorological services, early-warning systems, and integrated climate adaptation frameworks.