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Climate change and rising sea levels: 5 Pacific Islands that no longer exist

Posted: September 28, 2022

5 min read

Increasing global temperatures and rising sea levels: the effects of climate change have us all thinking about the future. But in some places, climate change has already taken its toll, and has emphasised the importance of environmental conservation efforts.

On a day-to-day basis, the effects of climate change may not seem dramatic, but over time the impact has become much more apparent. In fact, in some countries, climate change has affected the environment so much that it’s led to the displacement of both people and animals.

Let’s take a deeper look at how climate change is affecting us, and see how we can contribute towards a positive impact through environmental conservation.

Which communities are most affected by global warming?

East of Papua New Guinea lies an archipelago of 900 islands best known for its World War 2 landmarks and warm Pacific waters. Known as the Solomon Islands, this is a place where sea levels are rising at a rate three times higher than the global average.

The Solomon Islands are the site of the first “sinking islands” of the 21st century, where five islands disappeared into the ocean as the sea level rose to record-breaking new heights.

Solomon Islands - image by Azzedine Rouichi

The last of the five islands sank into the ocean as recently as 2011. And since then, six larger islands have already lost more than 20% of their surface area.

This has sent the people, animals and plants of Solomon Islands searching for higher ground. In addition to their displacement, the rising sea levels have also affected infrastructure and natural resources, taking its toll on the economic well-being of the Solomon Islands communities.

Are all countries affected by climate change?

While the Solomon Islands is greatly affected by climate change, it’s not the only country that could benefit from efforts to address this global issue.

Experts believe that climate change is set to have an even bigger impact if the global community doesn’t get serious about curbing its drivers – which include pollution, the overdevelopment of natural environments, and the overuse of natural resources.

At least 20 other islands across the world are expected to “disappear” over the next few decades. And, it’s predicted that by 2100 the sea will rise enough to sink eight cities on the east coast of the United States.

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So while island communities may be facing the biggest challenges when it comes to the effects of climate change, the rest of the world isn’t far behind.

Join a marine conservation program

But there are environmental efforts that are up and running, and looking to address climate change in the best ways possible.

How you can make a positive impact in environmental conservation

Environmental conservation activities focus on sustainable work that curbs the effects of climate change.

PADI Diving and Marine Conservation Teen Volunteering in Mexico

There are plenty of programs that you could take part in that are already making a positive contribution to addressing the world’s biggest environmental issues.

Contribute to global environmental conservation efforts by taking part in one of our award-winning wildlife conservation or marine conservation programs.

Some images by: Ubey Ahmed, Paul Carroll and Azzedine Rouichi

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