Fiji is facing mounting climate challenges as highlighted by the 2024 Annual Climate Summary from the Fiji Meteorological Service. The report reveals that the ocean temperatures around Fiji have shown a consistent warming trend, with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) deviating from the norm by +0.5°C to +1.5°C. This trend is significantly impacted by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation affecting the tropical Pacific Ocean.
The region near Viti Levu in particular experienced the most notable anomalies, with annual mean SSTs ranging from 26°C to 29°C within Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Alarmingly, an area northeast of Fiji recorded its highest mean annual SST since record-keeping began in 1982, signifying a concerning increase in ocean temperatures over the long term.
Additionally, the report draws attention to a worrying rise in sea levels around Fiji, which exceed global averages. Satellite data shows a sea level increase of 4–5mm annually near Fiji, compared to the global average of 3.2mm per year. This is corroborated by data from the tide gauge station at Lautoka Wharf, under the Pacific Sea Level and Geodetic Monitoring Project, which has documented a rise of 4.1mm each year from 1993 to 2024.
Previous findings from 2023 and other studies have reinforced the potential risks Fiji faces due to rising sea levels and temperatures, impacting both coastal communities and ecosystems. Such environmental shifts emphasize the critical need for robust climate action and resilience strategies. Monitoring stations at Lautoka and Suva Wharfs continue to play an essential role in providing data for planning and implementing environmental strategies.
While these challenges are daunting, they also present a chance for innovation in sustainable practices that could enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities. As Fiji and other Pacific Island nations navigate these changes, proactive adaptation measures and international collaboration are crucial to sustaining ecological and human well-being. Continued emphasis on monitoring and managing climate impacts offers hope for more sustainable futures for coastal regions globally.