Pacific region faces rising threats from geohazards and ocean warming

The Pacific region faces significant vulnerabilities from both geophysical hazards and climate-driven ocean changes. Experts argue that while climate change dominates global disaster discussions, geohazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides require greater regional coordination and investment.

Analysis from ESCAP indicates that approximately 73% of the population and 65% of economic assets in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific are exposed to seismic hazards. These events are the second most costly and deadly disaster types in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by the tectonic activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Simultaneously, ocean warming poses a systemic threat to global food, energy, and economic security. The ocean absorbs 30% of CO2 emissions and 90% of excess heat, but rising temperatures are destroying sensitive ecosystems. Under a 2°C warming scenario, losses from ocean-linked disasters could reach $56 billion by 2050.