As 50% of people in the Pacific Islands live close to the coastline, populations in the Pacific are the most exposed to threats such as sea rise or extreme weather, both in terms of economic opportunities (impact on fishery resources, on tourism) and subsistence.
Kuna 50% Vaikse ookeani saarte elanikest elab rannikualadel, kannatavad nad kõige enam selliste ohtude tõttu nagu veetaseme tõus ja üleujutused ning seda nii majanduslikus (mõju kalavarudele ja turismile) kui ka toimetuleku mõttes.