Inside Kiribati: The Island Being Erased By Climate Change | AJ+ Docs

Summary

The small island nation of Kiribati faces an existential threat due to climate change, with rising seas eroding coastlines, contaminating freshwater supplies, and forcing the population to abandon their homes. As one of the world’s lowest-lying nations, Kiribati is among the first to experience these impacts. With no international support to prevent the inevitable, its government is preparing citizens for relocation through a program called 'migration with dignity.' Despite the dire situation, the people of Kiribati continue to resist their fate, planting mangroves to protect their land and advocating for global action to reduce carbon emissions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The South Pacific nation of Kiribati is facing the existential threat of climate change, with rising sea levels eroding the islands and contaminating freshwater sources.
• 😀 Kiribati, one of the world's lowest-lying nations, is one of the first to confront the impacts of climate change, with some islands already abandoned due to flooding.
• 😀 In the 1970s, Tabu Kanako was a thriving coastal village, but it is now submerged, and many residents have had to scatter across the 33 islands of Kiribati.
• 😀 Rising tides and king tides are flooding areas that were previously safe, forcing families to rebuild repeatedly and altering the landscape.
• 😀 The government of Kiribati is planning for the eventual relocation of its population as the country's future due to climate change is uncertain.
• 😀 The 'Migration with Dignity' program is an effort to help citizens of Kiribati gain skills for relocation, particularly to Australia and New Zealand, to maintain a sense of agency.
• 😀 Overcrowding in the capital island of South Tarawa, caused by internal migration due to climate change, has exacerbated problems like pollution, poor sanitation, and stress on utilities.
• 😀 Ruby, a 15-year-old girl from South Tarawa, represents the younger generation that may be the last to live on these islands, as the community battles rising sea levels and floods.
• 😀 The rising sea levels also threaten freshwater supplies in South Tarawa, with high tides bringing trash and causing serious damage to the limited land left.
• 😀 Kiribati’s people are finding innovative ways to resist climate change’s effects, such as planting mangrove trees to protect the coastline from erosion, though international support is crucial for long-term survival.

Q & A

What is the current situation of the island nation of Kiribati?

Kiribati, a remote island nation in the South Pacific, faces the imminent threat of being erased from the map due to climate change. As one of the world's lowest-lying countries, it is already seeing the impact of rising sea levels and flooding, endangering its inhabitants and way of life.

Why is Kiribati particularly vulnerable to climate change?

Kiribati is extremely vulnerable to climate change because of its low elevation and proximity to rising sea levels. The islands, located along the equator, are among the first to experience the consequences of climate change, including more frequent flooding and erosion.

What is the significance of the village of Tabu Kanako in the context of Kiribati's climate crisis?

Tabu Kanako was once a thriving coastal village in Kiribati but is now largely abandoned due to rising sea levels that have caused severe coastal erosion and contamination of freshwater supplies. The village serves as an example of how climate change is already displacing communities in Kiribati.

What are king tides and how are they affecting Kiribati?

King tides are extreme high tides that have become more frequent and severe in Kiribati. These tides, which were previously non-existent or rare, are now flooding areas that were not vulnerable before, exacerbating the effects of rising sea levels.

What is the government's response to the climate change crisis in Kiribati?

The government of Kiribati, led by President Anote Tong, has been lobbying for international action to reduce carbon emissions and address the climate crisis. Additionally, the government is preparing for the relocation of its citizens by sending them abroad for job training in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

How is the Kiribati government addressing the potential displacement of its population?

The Kiribati government is planning for the migration of its citizens under a program called 'Migration with Dignity,' where citizens are trained for relocation to other countries as climate refugees. This initiative aims to help the people of Kiribati settle with dignity rather than be classified as refugees.

What challenges does Kiribati face due to overcrowding on its capital island, South Tarawa?

South Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati, has become overcrowded due to mass migration from other islands. The island's density is comparable to that of Tokyo or Gaza, leading to problems such as pollution, disease, poor sanitation, and pressure on freshwater supplies.

What is the 'Migration with Dignity' program?

The 'Migration with Dignity' program is an initiative by the Kiribati government to help its citizens relocate to countries like Australia and New Zealand due to the impacts of climate change. It provides job and skills training to ensure that citizens can integrate into their new communities with dignity.

How are Kiribati residents coping with the loss of land and homes due to rising sea levels?

Many Kiribati residents have been forced to abandon their homes and migrate to other islands, particularly to the capital island, South Tarawa. Some are building and rebuilding sea walls to protect their homes from rising tides, though these efforts are becoming less effective as the situation worsens.

What role do mangrove trees play in combating climate change in Kiribati?

Mangrove trees are being planted along the coastlines of Kiribati as a way to protect against coastal erosion. The roots of these trees act as wave breakers, helping to preserve the land and reduce the impact of rising tides and storms.