GLOBAL FACTORS
Island-based public and private sector organisations will undoubtedly need to adjust strategy and policy at regular intervals to take account of a rapidly changing world. The following issues are considered to be of significance to islands at the present time and, together with other influencing factors, are monitored as part of our research framework:
International Tensions
Territorial conflicts and major economic disruption on a global basis continue to escalate. In addition, US foreign policy direction is becoming increasingly unpredictable and is likely to remain that way for some time to come. These tensions and uncertainties are already destabilising international relations and economic conditions with, as yet unknown, consequences for more vulnerable island jurisdictions.
Migration Trends
Many island communities are in the front line of migration trends which are being mainly driven by civil conflict, climate change, and economic stress primarily in Africa, Middle East, and in Central and South America. This exposure, which presents economic and social challenges particularly for those island communities located on the main migration routes, is set to intensify rather than diminish in the short and medium term.
Climate Change
Climate change impact is the greatest common threat facing island communities worldwide but latest data reveals some disturbing upward trends in global warming. Unfortunately, there are clear indications that there seems to be a lack of political commitment in many countries to address the route causes of the problem and, therefore, the outcomes from this year's COP30 Climate Change Conference will be critical.
Inflationary Pressures
Inflationary pressures are beginning to reoccur due to the growing instability in many energy producing countries, an escalation of current global conflicts, and increasing cyber and infrastructure security threats. Above all, however, the negative consequences of US trade tariffs with counter-measures being applied by other major trading nations will inevitably impact island communities in terms of escalating costs.
