Climate change impacts island property and infrastructure

Rising sea levels and extreme weather are significantly altering property decisions and infrastructure strategies on islands. In the South Pacific, residents of Serua Island in Fiji are choosing to rebuild and shore up infrastructure against encroaching seas and cyclones rather than relocating. This decision comes as regional sea levels rise at rates three to four times the global average, according to research from the University of New South Wales.

On a broader scale, climate change is influencing how buyers approach island real estate. Potential owners are increasingly prioritizing elevation to avoid projected sea-level rises and are utilizing climate resilience ratings to assess vulnerability to flooding, storms, and erosion. Additionally, skyrocketing insurance premiums and the potential need for costly infrastructure modifications in flood-prone areas are becoming decisive factors for investors, particularly among younger demographics focused on long-term environmental viability.