Kiribati - A Climate Change Reality

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

9 Dec 200906:32

Summary

TLDRThe Pacific island nation of Kiribati faces an existential threat from climate change, with rising sea levels predicted to submerge the country by 2100. The low-lying atolls are highly vulnerable, and the government is exploring relocation options to avoid a refugee crisis. The script highlights the emotional and cultural challenges of leaving ancestral lands, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to ensure the dignity and identity of the people.

Takeaways

🌊 The Pacific region, specifically the country of Kiribati, is one of the most affected areas by climate change globally.
🏝️ Kiribati consists of 33 low-lying atolls, with the highest point being no more than 4 meters above sea level, making it extremely vulnerable to sea level rise.
📈 Scientific research indicates that by 2100, there is a high probability of over a meter of sea level rise, which would significantly impact the flat island nation.
🏠 The entire population of Kiribati lives within one kilometer of the coast, highlighting the country's susceptibility to coastal inundation.
👨‍💼 The government of Kiribati is considering relocation options for its population due to the imminent threat of rising sea levels.
🔍 The speaker, likely a leader or official, has observed drastic changes in the landscape since their first visit in 2002, with areas now resembling swamps.
🤔 The speaker emphasizes the importance of planning for even a 1% chance of catastrophic events, advocating for proactive measures over a reactive stance.
🙏 There is a strong desire to avoid becoming refugees, with the aim to migrate with dignity if necessary due to the foreseen environmental changes.
🏡 Personal anecdotes reveal the impact of climate change on individuals, with some having to move their homes multiple times due to encroaching waters.
👴 The older generation finds it particularly challenging to accept the need to leave their land, which is deeply ingrained in their cultural identity.
⚰️ The script recounts a story of a funeral where a coffin floated due to high tides, symbolizing the urgency and reality of the situation.
🌱 The speaker expresses determination to maintain the nation's sovereignty, identity, and culture despite the existential threat posed by climate change.

Q & A

What is the main region affected by climate change according to the script?
-The Pacific region is identified as the most affected by climate change.
What specific threat is highlighted as a major concern for Kiribati?
-One of the biggest threats to Kiribati is sea level rise.
How high is Kiribati above sea level at its highest point?
-Kiribati is no more than 4 meters high at its highest point.
What proportion of Kiribati's population lives near the coast?
-100% of Kiribati's population lives within one kilometer of the coast.
By 2100, how much sea level rise is projected, and what impact will it have on Kiribati?
-Scientific research indicates that by 2100, sea levels are expected to rise by more than a meter, which will have a significant impact on Kiribati's flat islands, bringing the sea very far inland.
What options is the government of Kiribati considering in response to the threat of rising sea levels?
-The government is considering options for relocating the population.
How has the environment in Kiribati changed since 2002 according to a speaker in the script?
-The environment has drastically changed, becoming swamp-like and deteriorating, with more flooding and land loss.
What is the stance of the speaker regarding the possibility of becoming refugees due to climate change?
-The speaker emphasizes the importance of acting now to avoid becoming refugees and instead migrate with dignity.
Why do older residents of Kiribati find it difficult to leave their land?
-Older residents have a strong attachment to their land and cultural heritage, making it very hard for them to leave.
What challenges does the rising sea level pose for burial traditions in Kiribati?
-Rising sea levels cause coffins to float out of the ground, disrupting burial traditions and causing distress.
What concerns are raised about Kiribati's future as a nation and its cultural identity?
-There are concerns about whether Kiribati can remain a sovereign nation, maintain its identity, and preserve its culture in the face of potential relocation.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 Threat of Sea Level Rise in Kiribati

The first paragraph discusses the severe impact of climate change on Kiribati, a Pacific island nation, particularly due to the threat of sea level rise. The country, composed of 33 low-lying atolls, is highly vulnerable with its highest point being only 4 meters above sea level. The government is considering relocating the population, as scientific research indicates a high probability of over a meter of sea level rise by 2100. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acting now to avoid becoming refugees and to ensure a dignified migration if necessary. The paragraph also touches on the emotional and cultural challenges faced by the people, who are deeply attached to their land and find it difficult to consider leaving their island.

05:02

😔 The Future of Kiribati and Cultural Identity

The second paragraph continues the theme of climate change's impact on Kiribati, focusing on the emotional and cultural implications of potential displacement. The speaker expresses sadness at the thought of having to leave their homeland and the challenges of maintaining cultural identity and sovereignty. The paragraph raises questions about the future of the nation and its people, including whether they will remain a sovereign entity and how they will preserve their culture. The speaker commits to doing everything in their power to ensure the continuation of their cultural identity, despite the looming threat of becoming victims of climate change.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily as a result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. In the video, it is the overarching theme, with the Pacific region being identified as one of the most affected areas globally. The script discusses the severe implications of climate change, such as sea level rise, which poses a direct threat to the existence of low-lying atolls like Kiribati.

💡Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise is the increase in the volume of water in the world's oceans, which causes a relative increase in sea levels. It is a direct consequence of climate change due to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. The script highlights the vulnerability of Kiribati, where the highest point is no more than 4 meters above sea level, making it susceptible to the devastating effects of sea level rise.

💡Kiribati

Kiribati is a country in the central Pacific Ocean, made up of 33 atolls. It is used in the script as a prime example of a nation that is at high risk due to climate change. The script mentions that 100% of the population lives within one kilometer of the coast, emphasizing the country's vulnerability to sea level rise and the potential need for relocation.

💡Atolls

An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets that surround a lagoon partially or completely. In the context of the video, atolls are a geographical feature that makes Kiribati particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as they are low-lying and can be easily inundated by rising sea levels.

💡Relocation

Relocation in the script refers to the potential movement of the entire population of Kiribati to higher ground due to the threat of climate change. The government is considering this option as a response to the scientific projections of sea level rise, aiming to ensure that the people can migrate with dignity rather than as refugees.

💡Refugees

In the video, the term 'refugees' is used to describe people who are forced to flee their homes due to unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or war. The speaker emphasizes the desire to avoid becoming refugees by proactively planning for the potential need to relocate due to climate change.

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability in this context refers to the susceptibility of a region or group to the adverse effects of climate change. The script describes Kiribati as 'extremely vulnerable' due to its low-lying geography and the high concentration of its population living close to the coast.

💡NGOs

NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, are non-profit organizations that operate independently of governments and are typically involved in various social or environmental causes. The script mentions that there are nine NGOs in Kiribati, which may be working on issues related to climate change and its impacts.

💡Sovereignty

Sovereignty is the authority of a state to govern itself without interference from outside sources. The script raises concerns about whether Kiribati will be able to maintain its sovereignty and identity as a nation if it has to relocate its population due to climate change.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural identity refers to the distinct characteristics that define a group of people based on their shared history, traditions, and values. The script discusses the importance of preserving the cultural identity of Kiribati's people, even in the face of potential relocation due to climate change.

💡Dignity

Dignity in the script is used to describe the desire for the people of Kiribati to maintain self-respect and worth in the face of potential relocation. It is contrasted with the idea of becoming refugees, emphasizing the proactive and planned nature of the relocation efforts.

Highlights

The Pacific region, particularly Kiribati, is the most affected by climate change globally.

Kiribati is extremely vulnerable to sea level rise due to its low-lying atolls.

100% of Kiribati's population lives within one kilometer of the coast, making the country highly susceptible to climate impacts.

By 2100, more than a meter of sea level rise is almost certain, significantly affecting flat islands like Kiribati.

The government of Kiribati is considering relocating the population due to the severity of the situation.

The landscape of Kiribati has drastically changed since 2002, with areas becoming swamp-like.

Leaders must provide options for their people, even if there is a 1% chance of a disastrous event.

Kiribati aims to avoid becoming refugees by proactively addressing the climate crisis.

The people of Kiribati are deeply connected to their land and leaving is a difficult decision.

Cultural practices, such as burial customs, are being disrupted by the rising sea levels.

The younger generation is starting to understand the severity of climate change impacts.

Maintaining cultural identity and sovereignty is a priority for Kiribati amidst climate challenges.

The leader of Kiribati is committed to preserving the nation's culture and identity despite climate threats.

There is a need for special provisions and soul-searching to address the plight of climate victims.

The potential loss of land and sovereignty is a deeply concerning thought for the people of Kiribati.