Impacts of climate change on small island hydrology : a literature review

This report comprises a review of literature relating to the impacts of climate change on small islands. Given the diversity of material presented on climate change studies this review has intentionally focussed on small island hydrogeology, the impacts of climate change specifically on small islands and finally a review of impacts associated with extreme events. The small islands and climate change literature is abundant. It assesses and predicts change and associated impacts. Perhaps the greatest uncertainty relates to manifestation of climate change impacts and their attribution to natural or anthropogenic causes. Many researchers also highlight the interdependencies between environmental, social and economic determinants. An assessment of impacts of climate change across the various types of small islands is highlighted by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as an area requiring consideration that is lacking within the literature and would benefit from further research.