22-06-2025
Guardians of the ocean: How SIDS are leading the 1.5°C agenda and what the world must do next
By Shafraz Rasheed
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the leading edge of the climate crisis. Threatened by rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and fragile marine ecosystems, these nations face existential risks to their economies, cultures, and ways of life. However, the vast oceans surrounding them offer more than just vulnerability they hold the key to resilience and global climate leadership.
The ocean is not only a victim of climate change; it also plays a vital part in the solution. When approached sustainably, the "blue economy" can enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions, and sustain livelihoods in SIDS. The real challenge lies in unlocking this potential amid growing environmental threats and limited resources.
The Blue Economy: Beyond Resource Extraction
For many SIDS, the ocean is central to their territory and economic sustainability. Fisheries, tourism, shipping, and marine biodiversity are essential for development and food security. However, overexploitation, pollution, coral degradation, and uncontrolled coastal development have driven marine ecosystems to the edge.
A sustainable blue economy prioritizes responsible utilization of the ocean to drive economic growth, social equity, and environmental conservation. Restoring mangroves and coral reefs, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture represent nature-based solutions that capture carbon, safeguard biodiversity, and create jobs. U.N. Trade and Development (UNCTAD) states that climate initiatives based on oceans could provide more than 20% of the required emissions reductions by 2050 to restrict global warming to 1.5°C. SIDS are uniquely situated to lead this shift, but they require financial support, technology transfer, and equitable market access.
Toward Ocean-Positive Development
The United Nations Development Program's (UNDP's) "ocean-positive" development approach requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Instead of perceiving the ocean solely as a resource to exploit or a delicate ecosystem to protect, this approach combines climate initiatives, economic resilience, and social advancement.
This demands a recalibration of global policies from the World Trade Organization to COP (the decision-making body of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change)to prioritize ocean health as an indicator of climate progress. For island nations, it includes expanding ocean-based renewable energy sources (such as offshore wind and tidal energy), creating marine-sector jobs for women and youth, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. Initiatives like the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) bring together public and private stakeholders to finance coastal resilience through blue bonds, insurance schemes, and blended finance.
Innovative Solutions: Solar-Powered Mobility
A recent article from Japan Times (June 2025) highlights an emerging breakthrough: solar electric vehicles (solar EVs). These self-charging vehicles, equipped with solar panels, provide eco-friendly, cost-effective transit perfect for island environments.
Solar EVs offer a compelling solution for SIDS, many of which face high transport emissions and dependence on fossil fuel imports. These vehicles are already being piloted in island nations, especially in marine tourism zones and port cities. Solar ferries and marine logistics systems powered by microgrids are also being tested, complementing wider efforts to decarbonize transport and strengthen energy independence.
When integrated with blue economy initiatives, solar mobility systems reduce emissions, support sustainable tourism, and create new jobs in the green tech sector.
From Vulnerability to Visionary Leadership
Despite their size, SIDS have played a significant role in international climate diplomacy. They championed the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement, advocated for ocean conservation in U.N. forums, and pioneered financial instruments such as Seychelles' Blue Bond and Fiji's Green Bond.
The Maldives is phasing out single-use plastics and adopting nature-based coastal protections. Samoa is investing in sustainable fisheries and renewable energy. Through alliances like AOSIS, Caribbean and Pacific nations are promoting climate-smart marine policies. These efforts prove that with appropriate assistance, small islands can become hubs of innovation and resilience, offering lessons for coastal areas globally.
What the World Must Do Next
To unlock the full potential of SIDS in leading the ocean and climate agenda, the global community must act decisively. First, climate finance must become more accessible, predictable, and tailored to island contexts through simplified procedures, concessional loans, and public-private investment models. Second, innovation must be fast-tracked in key areas including solar EVs, blue energy, sustainable fisheries, and ocean carbon markets.
Third, ecosystems must be protected and restored through expanded marine protected areas, habitat conservation, and stricter anti-pollution and anti-overfishing measures. Fourth, trade systems must be reformed to ensure SIDS gain fair value for their marine exports and can build resilient, inclusive economies.
Finally, stronger regional governance, maritime monitoring, and policy coordination will help secure the ocean commons for future generations.
SIDS are more than climate victims. They are visionary leaders showing the world how to build a just, sustainable future rooted in ocean stewardship and resilience. Their success is our shared success. If we want to safeguard the planet, we must start by standing with its smallest defenders who are proving to be among its strongest.
Shafraz Rasheed is a Maldivian diplomat serving in Japan. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations from China Foreign Affairs University. His research focuses on climate diplomacy in Asia and the Pacific, and the role of small states in shaping global climate and ocean governance.
© Japan Today
