Rising sea levels and Islands

The South Pacific Islands – are small country islands that are vulnerable to rising sea levels.

‘Rising sea level threats are more significant than of greenhouse gas emissions’ (Mimura, 1999).

Research carried out since 1992 by Japanese scientists and the South Pacific regional environmental programs have assessed the vulnerability and impacts on the coastal zones of Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Tuvalu in the South Pacific. The study analysed the level of threat caused by sea level rise and climate change (Mimura, 1999, IPCC, 1996).

The results showed that the low-lying islands are commonly threatened by flooding, inundation, erosion and saltwater intrusion into rivers and aquifers. The local populations and ecosystems are overwhelmed by the implications of the above threats. Engineering tools, sea walls and concrete blocks are among a few methods used to reduce beach erosion. Coral reefs, mangroves and sandy beaches are natural means used to reduce beach erosion as they absorb a large part of wave energy.

Retreating or relocating to higher ground is a solution taken to shift from coastal areas. Some coastal communities might have to adapt their traditions and social life to suit their new environments as different regions in an island may have different traditions.

One might argue on........... the best solution to prevent sea level rise is to construct seawalls and projects on landfill.  On a negative note ‘retreat and relocation’ might not be practical with the increase of population growth. Hence land use age will be a hard task especially in these third world island countries.

My view is that Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Tuvalu islanders will have to find refuge in other neighbouring countries as the  islands will disappear into the ocean in the years to come. 

Thildhoo, Addu and Ihadhoo are a few Maldivian islands that have eroded and disappeared into the ocean.