Q. How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.
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Model Answer:
The IPCC AR6 warns of a potential 1m sea-level rise by 2100, posing a severe existential threat to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) globally.
Physical and Ecological Threats
- Total Submergence: Rising waters threaten complete inundation, prompting unique contingencies like “digital nation” backups (Tuvalu).
- Coastal Erosion: Intense and frequent cyclones force entire communities to relocate inland (Vunidogoloa village, Fiji).
- Saline Intrusion: Sea-water contamination of freshwater aquifers destroys arable land and potable water security (Kiribati).
- Marine Habitat Collapse: Ocean warming and acidification induce mass coral bleaching, destroying natural storm barriers (Maldives).
Socio-Economic and Geopolitical Crises
- Shrinking EEZs: Submergence of coastal baselines threatens sovereign maritime rights and critical fisheries revenue (Marshall Islands).
- Infrastructure Stress: Protecting capital cities and tourism assets requires highly expensive artificial elevation (Hulhumalé, Maldives).
- Climate Statelessness: Irreversible loss of habitability risks creating a massive wave of unrecognized climate refugees.
Operationalizing the UN Loss and Damage Fund and strict adherence to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target remain imperative for SIDS’ survival.
