Climate Change Impacts on Kiribati

Overview

• Kiribati is a South Pacific nation facing severe threats from climate change.
• Rising sea levels could make the entire country uninhabitable.
• Residents are committed to staying and protecting their homeland.

Environmental Changes

• Sea levels are rising, causing land to disappear.
• Increased frequency of storms.
• Drinking water is becoming salty.

Community Observations

• Max Te and grandfather Kirana have witnessed the sea levels rise over decades.
• High tides now reach homes and damage trees and infrastructure.
• Kirana emphasizes that they urgently need help.

Local Resilience Initiatives

• Peli Alofa, climate activist and founder of Kirabati Climate Protection Organization.
• Built a wall to drain flooded land, demonstrating resilience.
• Other initiatives include teaching residents to grow food in salinized soil and making their own soil.
• Raised beds and soil-making are key techniques.

Challenges and Limitations

• Lack of technological and financial resources to tackle the issues at a national level.
• Government exploring costly solutions like elevating the main island of Tarawa or creating a replacement island.
• Potential foreign aid from countries like China is a contentious issue.

Personal and Social Impact

• Claire and Tangaroa illustrate the severity of water issues; rainwater is unreliable, and groundwater is becoming salty.
• Their well is a community resource, shared and maintained by neighbors.
• Coastal residents like Tabo Araa have built protective walls but face constant repair challenges.

Future Projections

• Researchers predict accelerating sea level rise.
• Conservative estimates suggest a 1.1 meter rise, jeopardizing Kiribati’s future.
• Without international aid, residents could become climate refugees.

Calls to Action

• Kiribati residents request compassion and sacrifice from developed countries.
• Significant investments are needed in technology and funding to save the nation.
• Cultural, linguistic, and communal identities are at stake.
• Cindy Bonato’s song embodies the community's plea to the world for assistance.

Conclusion

• Kiribati’s situation highlights the urgent need for global action on climate change.
• Solidarity within the community remains strong, but external help is crucial.