Introduction
Global warming has been a significant concern for several decades now, resulting in rising sea levels and the potential sinking of low-lying islands. The impact of climate change is particularly devastating for these islands, as they face the risk of disappearing entirely. Among the most vulnerable islands is…
The Maldives
The Maldives, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, is one of the most prominent examples of an island sinking due to global warming. With an average elevation of just 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) above sea level, the Maldives is highly susceptible to rising sea levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that by 2100, a 1-meter rise in sea levels could submerge most of the Maldives, displacing its entire population and causing irreversible damage to its ecosystems.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is another island facing the dire consequences of global warming. With an average elevation of only 2 meters (6.6 feet) above sea level, Tuvalu is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events and rising sea levels. As sea levels continue to rise, the country’s freshwater resources are increasingly contaminated with saltwater, affecting both the population’s livelihoods and its ability to grow crops. The government of Tuvalu has been actively seeking international assistance to combat the effects of climate change and protect its citizens from displacement.
Kiribati
Kiribati, an island nation located in the central Pacific, is also at risk of sinking due to global warming. The country, consisting of 33 low-lying coral atolls, is highly susceptible to coastal erosion and seawater intrusion. The government of Kiribati has already started purchasing land in neighboring countries to potentially relocate its citizens should the worst-case scenario unfold. The sinking of Kiribati would result in the loss of an entire nation and its unique cultural heritage.
Conclusion
While these islands are among the most vulnerable to sinking due to global warming, they are not the only ones at risk. Numerous other low-lying islands around the world face similar challenges as sea levels continue to rise. Urgent action is necessary to mitigate climate change and limit the devastating consequences it poses to our planet and its inhabitants.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.