Preparing for Better Livelihoods, Health and Well-Being—A Key to Climate Change Adaptation

Abstract

Tonga is a small nation with low-lying communities, and located on Tonga’s trench, ranking it particularly vulnerable to global climate change. So, adaptation—is vital. A study: ‘Climate change impact on livelihood, health and well-being: A mixed method approach’ by Havea et al., found that Tongans aged 15–75 in Kanokupolu, ‘Ahau, Tukutonga, Popua and Manuka, perceived to have suffered—serious loss and damages to livelihoods; climate change-related diseases and illnesses (e.g. asthma, shortness of breath inter alia); stress, anxiety and spiritual impacts. This paper presents an analysis of the perception of 460 Tongans using a concurrent convergence parallel triangulation design derived from perceived climate change impacts, mitigations, and adaptations to produce a dynamic model of “impact and adaptation”. This model was designed to assist the aforementioned coastal communities development towards a Resilient Tonga, so that the responses to the perceived impacts are planned and implemented effectively and efficiently, thus preparing those and similar communities for future impacts. Finally, some policy recommendations are made, as valuable lessons from dynamic community perceptions, are learnt. Public perceptions, community experiences, and lessons learnt revealed by this research will be useful to other communities, governments, NGOs, international and regional organizations and those planning adaptation projects in the region.