Global Warming threatens Kiribati

Scientists have determined that Kiribati – an archipelago of 33 coral atolls barely 6 feet above the sea is diminishing so rapidly that much of it will be gone in the next 25 years. If it is true than Kiribati will be the first nation to face climatic change devastation. Kiribati is a small island nation located at the core of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of three islands – the Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, and Phonenix island about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The results will be catastrophic for its people who will have to find new a habitat before its gets too late.

Changes have started showing its impact affecting the climate, as well as the species and the population. Its scientists have reviewed and updated the data, and have the international appeal to the two developed countries Australia and New Zealand in the region to prepare for the mass exodus within the next two decades. Several portions of the Kiribati island have already disappeared. And according to the recent observed changes in the climatic pattern, Kiribati will submerged completely by 2025.

The problem is climate change is what that everybody does not understand. The signs of the climate change on this island are extremely dangerous, as they have substantially led to the warming in the region. Its President Anote Tong in an statement said that “the water supplies are being contaminated by the encroaching salt water, crops are destroyed, beach side communities have been moved inland. On 5 th June 2008, he used World Environment Day to request international help to evacuate his country before it disappears.

He holds the view that the green house gas emission in the atmosphere will carry contributing to the climate, which will led to rise in the sea level and submersion of out small, low lying island. The major problem that the island faces is the erosion partly caused by the storms and floods. He said that the emigration needs to start immediately without wasting the time.

Mr Tong said "At the moment there's only the coconut trees." But even the coconut trees are dying – casualties of an unprecedented drought. The country has had next to no rain for the past three years and meanwhile the freshwater table is being poisoned. Keeping up the faith of his countrymen he said – we have no option but to believe in the tomorrow.

Aparana Chauhan