An expanding volume of empirical research highlights existing adaptation constraints that may lead to soft limits in Small Island Developing States . Investigation of national communications among 19 SIDS found that financial constraints, institutional challenges and poor resource endowments were the most frequently reported as inhibiting adaptation for a range of climate impacts . Governance, financial and information constraints such as unclear property rights and lack of donor flexibility have led to hasty implementation of adaptation projects in Kiribati, whereas in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, limited awareness of rural adaptation needs and weak linkages between central governance and local communities have resulted in an urban bias in resource allocation . Limited availability and use of information and technology also present constraints to adaptation; many SIDS suffer from lack of data and established routines to identify losses and damages, and the combination of poor monitoring of slow- onset changes and influence of non-climatic determinants of observed impacts challenges attribution . The fact that climate information is often available only in the English language represents another common constraint for island communities . Although Indigenous and local knowledge systems can provide important experience-based input to adaptation policies , socio-cultural values and traditions such as attachment to place, religious beliefs and traditions can also constrain adaptation in island communities, particularly for more transformational forms of adaptation .
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report