the archipelago of Kiribati, located in the central western Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia, is facing a serious climate crisis that could lead to its disappearance due to rising sea levels. The islands that comprise it are located at an average altitude of less than 2 meters above sea level, making them extremely vulnerable to flooding and other extreme weather events.
This tropical paradise, where approximately 110.470 people, could be submerged before the end of the 21st century unless effective measures are implemented to mitigate the impact of the climate changeAs climate change progresses, it is vital to study the cities that could disappear due to its effects.
Flooding is becoming more frequent in Kiribati, due to the fact that existing levees can no longer withstand the onslaught of waves. This problem is exacerbated by the melting of ice at the poles, a phenomenon that threatens coastal communities around the world, and in particular the residents of Kiribati, whose government has taken drastic measures, such as the acquisition of the Fijian island of Vanua Levu, as a possible solution for population resettlement. The current situation in Kiribati reflects the experiences from other countries facing climate change.
To face this crisis, Kiribati will not be alone; it will have the support of a group of engineers from United Arab Emirates, who have experience in building the world's largest artificial island, the Palm IslandsAccording to experts, the strategy should not only rely on migration, but it is crucial to elevate Kiribati's land. This is necessary because an artificial island would not be able to withstand extreme storms and tides.
The ambitious project has an estimated budget of 100 million and has been hailed as a creative solution to the looming threat of climate change. To carry out these projects, it is planned to use soil obtained from dredging inland lagoons. However, while these plans are being developed, Kiribati's existing problems continue to intensify. The climate crisis is a reminder of the importance of understand how it affects to different natural phenomena.
The reality is worrying: the 81% of households have already reported the effects of rising sea levels, meaning the vast majority of the population is already feeling the impact of climate change in their daily lives. Land erosion is destroying homes, and salinization of drinking water is a critical issue affecting both agriculture and the health of the population.
On the other hand, the growing difficulty in accessing drinking water has led to an increase in waterborne diseases, highlighting the urgent need to improve the country's sanitation and water access infrastructure. This was a point highlighted by the Dr. Joanne Clarke, a pediatrician with Médecins Sans Frontières, noting that freshwater scarcity is increasing public health risks. Health and climate change are linked, as detailed in an article on the effects on pregnant women.
Kiribati also faces a significant population challenge. population concentration on Tarawa, the capital, has created overcrowding that exacerbates health and social problems. This atoll is home to more than half of the country's total population, exacerbating public health problems and hampering resource sustainability.
Birth rates in Kiribati are quite high, with 26 births per 1,000 inhabitants, which puts more pressure on already scarce resources. As the population continues to grow, basic needs such as food, access to healthcare, and education become increasingly difficult to meet. It is necessary to review how species such as plants adapt to these changes, as mentioned in the article on the adaptation of plants to climate change
Kiribati's economic situation is based primarily on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and remittances from expatriate workers. However, the impact of climate change is profoundly affecting these activities, making it difficult for many Kiribatians to meet their food needs. This is not just a local problem, as it is also observed in other places, such as the threatened deserts for the global warming.
In terms of health, Kiribati is facing a disease burden encompassing both communicable and non-communicable diseases. With one of the highest rates of diabetes and tuberculosis in the world, the health of Kiribatians is a constant concern. This is due, in part, to the lack of access to health services and the adverse effects of climate change on public health.
Poverty and lack of resources also contribute to this cycle of problems. A report by the Environmental Justice Foundation suggests that climate change is creating an unprecedented refugee crisis. Many Kiribatians are already seeking asylum in other countries due to the instability of their homes, raising a number of questions about human rights and global responsibility in the face of climate change. To better understand this, it is useful to analyze investments in fossil fuels.
In addition, the President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, has taken steps to strengthen foreign relations and seek international support in addressing the climate crisis. Connections with other nations, especially those that share similar concerns, are critical to finding long-term, sustainable solutions. In this context, investing in green infrastructure it's key.
The increase in storm frequency and intensity has led to the need to build more resilient infrastructure, such as embankments, that can protect communities from imminent flooding. However, these solutions are costly and require long-term planning and the commitment of the international community.
In a broader context, Kiribati's situation is a microcosm of the challenges faced by many island and coastal nations around the world due to climate change. Kiribati may be the first country to disappear, but there are many other nations facing similar challenges, such as the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. These countries are a wake-up call to the world about the severity of the climate crisis and the urgent need for action, as the Floods will endanger millions of people within a few years.
As time progresses, Kiribati is becoming a symbol of the global fight against climate change and the search for innovative and sustainable solutions. The international community must respond to this call and collaborate to develop effective strategies that benefit not only Kiribati, but all nations vulnerable to climate change.