The United Nations recognizes 38 member states, scattered across the world’s waters, as small island developing states grouped together because they face “unique social, economic and environmental challenges.” The adjacent appeals illustrated a central dilemma for many small island developing states: their livelihoods, or their lives?

NEW YORK (AP) - Come visit the Maldives, its president entreated the world at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, moments before switching to an impassioned plea for help combating climate change.