Kiribati is an isolated, low-lying island nation in the central Pacific Ocean consisting of 32 island atolls and one coral island. Temperatures remain relatively stable across the islands throughout the year, although annual rainfall varies between the northern and the drier southern islands. The country has a hot, humid, and tropical climate. All of the population lives within 1 km from the coast (Australian Aid, 2021), and the country is almost entirely dependent on imported food and fuel (World Bank Group, 2021).  

Due to its low elevation and geographical isolation, Kiribati is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. However, limited data availability constrains the accuracy of climate projections (World Bank Group, 2021). As a result, there is still uncertainty regarding future changes in temperature, precipitation, floods, droughts, and cyclones. The country relies almost entirely on rainfall for its freshwater supply, which is vulnerable to saline contamination (ibid.). Sea level rise has already displaced some communities in Kiribati (ibid.), and many atoll islands are projected to be uninhabitable by the end of the century (Storlazzi et al., 2018). 

Kiribati’s NDC outlines priorities to strengthen governance, improve knowledge, support a greener private sector, enhance water and food security, and strengthen health service delivery in response to climate change impacts.