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The Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC (IPCC AR4) Working Group II (2007) identifies small island states as being among the most vulnerable countries of the world to the adverse impacts of climate change. Hay, el al.y (2003) in discussing the Pacific's observed climate noted that compared to earlier historical records during the twentieth century, the southern Pacific had experienced a significantly drier and warmer climate (by 15 percent and 0.8°C, respectively). The Central Equatorial Pacific is facing more intensive rain (about 30 percent) and a similarly hotter climate (0.6°C), and sea surface temperatures in both areas have increased by about 0.4°C. These conditions are linked to an increased frequency of El Nino episodes since the 1970s (without alternating La Nina events). Other studies show that climate projections for the South Pacific indicate warming of 0.8 to 1.8°C and precipitation changes that range from -8 to +7 percent by mid-century (Ruosteenoja, el ai, 2003). By the end of the century, projected warming is 1.0 to 3.1°C and precipitation changes range from -14 to +14 percent. Projections of globally averaged sea-level rise range from 0.18 m to 0.58 m in 2090-2099 relative to 1980-1999; while tropical cyclones are likely to become more intense, have higher peak wind speeds, and bring heavier rainfall (IPCC, 2007). Thus, it is clear that there are winners and losers when it comes to climate and food security with mostly the countries in the mid to higher latitudes benefiting from global warming and the small island countries of the Pacific in the warmer latitudes standing to lose the most. The IPCC has concluded that the mounting evidence shows that climate change is unequivocally happening and may worsen in future; there is a need to act urgently to minimize these impacts.

This report deals with food security and climate change in 15 Pacific Island economies in terms of the four traditional food security pillars: f adequacy (enough food on a consistent basis, either through local production or imports or food assistance from outside sources); f availability (ability of households and individuals to acquire food); f stability (resilience of food supplies to external shocks, such as natural disasters); f utilisation of food at the household level, especially by those with low incomes (requiring that people are healthy enough to process the food internally, and have adequate safe water and sanitation and food hygiene and child-care skills. In the Pacific context, safety and nutrition (food that is fresh or properly preserved and contributes to a healthy diet) are equally important and are included as a fifth pillar. Adequate food security has existed only intermittently in the region in the past and food shortages and famine conditions continue to occur, largely as a result of natural weather-related events.

Climate change will have an Impact on our seasons and environment. Our coo] season may turn out +o be hot instead. Or we may have a very dry period in the rainy season. This affects how our crops, fruits and vegetables grow and mature. Some plants, for example, only produce flowers for fruiting under cool conditions. So if it is hot throughout the year, these plants will not bear flowers and fruit. It is important 40 be aware and prepare for these changes so that we don't go short of food. We hope you will be able to pick up some ideas from this book

The projected impacts of climate change on agriculture and fisheries will undermine food production systems, but in some cases enhance productivity. Impacts of climate change on food production include warming temperatures, severe cyclones, sea level rise, floods and droughts, saltwater intrusion into freshwater and soils, as well as loss of fish stocks from ocean warming and acidification. These can all increase instances of food insecurity and malnutrition in Pacific Island nations

One of the most remote and beautiful places on earth - the Federated States of Micronesia is facing the harsh pinch of rising food prices.