Kiribati: an island at risk of disappearing
Climate change has never been more of a real issue, especially for the island of Kiribati, considered one of the least developed countries in the world. As one of the lowest lying islands in the world, it is predicted to be entirely underwater by 2100. Around 100,000 + residents are having to adapt to the effects of climate change - mistakes they have not caused themselves - and are being left vulnerable in their own home.
The reason this island is in distress is due to manmade climate change. Because of global warming, the icebergs are melting, the amount of sea water is increasing, and the island is experiencing the effects of this first-hand. Climate change has led to a rise in storm damage and the ruining of crops, meaning residents have had to accept plans from aid agencies to develop Abaiang as a potential food port.
The island’s main issue is that its major road, which helps provide supplies, schooling, hospitals, food and water to the island, is under threat as the water edges closer and the sea walls are being destroyed. As a result, concrete filled sandbags are being used to protect the walls but even this defence is having a detrimental effect. These hard sea walls reflect the force of the waves and move the erosion to unprotected areas. Claire Anterea, one of the co-ordinators of Kirican, the Kiribati climate action network, stated, “I feel hopeless that our people are suffering, it has moved me into tears. I’m just hoping we can adapt”
Resolutions
There are four main ways to help the people of Kiribati
Is It Too Late?
Different governments from other countries, for example Japan, New Zealand and many more, have donated millions towards a program that will support Kiribati and reduce its vulnerability. This could give the island a second chance and will take place in six years. But is six years too late and could it be gone by then?
One Saved
Hopefully this country will be given a second chance but just because one island may be saved does not mean there are not more like Kiribati out there. We need to focus on our future and others. We may be late into saving our planet, but we have a couple of years to make a dramatic change in the way we are living. All I’m asking you to do is think. Think what a plastic straw could do, think what littering is doing. It’s not our fault but it is our future.
Freya Edwards, Year 10
The reason this island is in distress is due to manmade climate change. Because of global warming, the icebergs are melting, the amount of sea water is increasing, and the island is experiencing the effects of this first-hand. Climate change has led to a rise in storm damage and the ruining of crops, meaning residents have had to accept plans from aid agencies to develop Abaiang as a potential food port.
The island’s main issue is that its major road, which helps provide supplies, schooling, hospitals, food and water to the island, is under threat as the water edges closer and the sea walls are being destroyed. As a result, concrete filled sandbags are being used to protect the walls but even this defence is having a detrimental effect. These hard sea walls reflect the force of the waves and move the erosion to unprotected areas. Claire Anterea, one of the co-ordinators of Kirican, the Kiribati climate action network, stated, “I feel hopeless that our people are suffering, it has moved me into tears. I’m just hoping we can adapt”
Resolutions
There are four main ways to help the people of Kiribati
- The government could build more solid and higher sea walls to protect people.
- Buying land overseas so that the people could relocate and adapt.
- Boosting tourism so people can see the effects of climate change, which will pump money back into the economy.
- Other countries supporting this island.
Is It Too Late?
Different governments from other countries, for example Japan, New Zealand and many more, have donated millions towards a program that will support Kiribati and reduce its vulnerability. This could give the island a second chance and will take place in six years. But is six years too late and could it be gone by then?
One Saved
Hopefully this country will be given a second chance but just because one island may be saved does not mean there are not more like Kiribati out there. We need to focus on our future and others. We may be late into saving our planet, but we have a couple of years to make a dramatic change in the way we are living. All I’m asking you to do is think. Think what a plastic straw could do, think what littering is doing. It’s not our fault but it is our future.
Freya Edwards, Year 10