Pacific DMCs share many sustainable development challenges. Their small size, isolation, narrow economic bases, limited resources, and dependence on trade make them highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. With the exception of Papua New Guinea, Pacific DMCs are small island developing states (SIDS), and seven are fragile and conflict-affected situation (FCAS) countries.

Extreme events, such as strong tropical cyclones, can push governments into debt distress, businesses into insolvency, and individuals into extreme hardship. Vulnerability is greatest for the poorest populations, who live in small communities on remote outer islands. Women rely more on natural resources for their sustenance and livelihood, which makes them particularly vulnerable to climate extremes.