Entire Nation of Kiribati to be Relocated Over Rising Sea Level Threat
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The small, low-lying, Pacific island-nation of Kiribati faces a serious threat of losing its entire land mass due to rising sea levels. There is not one point on the island that lies more than 4 metres above sea level. It is possibly the first nation to experience the real effects of rising sea levels caused by climate change.
The 113 000-person nation is negotiating with Fiji to purchase land, specifically Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island, and relocate there. The rising seas have already destroyed and continue to destroy many small villages on the coast. This is likely the first instance where climate change has triggered a whole country-migration. Not only is the nation's physical existence being threatened, but the existence of their culture is also threatened. It has been questioned whether their delicate culture will survive if they move. University professor James J. McCarthy said Kiribati is "like the canary in the coal mine in terms of the dramatic impact of climate change on a whole civilisation of people... they didn't cause the problem but are among the first to feel it."
Fiji, however, has its doubts about allowing the country to relocate to Fijian soil. Kiribati's president, Anote Tong, stated that he does not want the entire population of Kiribati moving over the Fiji in one go. He also stated that Kiribatians must have something to offer Fiji by way of skills and not just be second-class citizens.
The nation is already facing many problems. Rising sea levels means rising tides. This means that the salinity of the sand is increasing and degrading their fresh water supplies. Rising salinity also affects the access to arable land and ability to grow crops. Their economy is at risk of depleting and it is also having harmful effects on public health.
The 113 000-person nation is negotiating with Fiji to purchase land, specifically Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island, and relocate there. The rising seas have already destroyed and continue to destroy many small villages on the coast. This is likely the first instance where climate change has triggered a whole country-migration. Not only is the nation's physical existence being threatened, but the existence of their culture is also threatened. It has been questioned whether their delicate culture will survive if they move. University professor James J. McCarthy said Kiribati is "like the canary in the coal mine in terms of the dramatic impact of climate change on a whole civilisation of people... they didn't cause the problem but are among the first to feel it."
Fiji, however, has its doubts about allowing the country to relocate to Fijian soil. Kiribati's president, Anote Tong, stated that he does not want the entire population of Kiribati moving over the Fiji in one go. He also stated that Kiribatians must have something to offer Fiji by way of skills and not just be second-class citizens.
The nation is already facing many problems. Rising sea levels means rising tides. This means that the salinity of the sand is increasing and degrading their fresh water supplies. Rising salinity also affects the access to arable land and ability to grow crops. Their economy is at risk of depleting and it is also having harmful effects on public health.