Water plan helps Kiribati prepare for sea level rise

Insciences.org: The central Pacific nation of Kiribati has taken a leap forward in protecting itself against the effects of climate-related sea level rise thanks to a project led by The Australian National University. Most of the atolls and islands of Kiribati stand less than six metres above mean sea level, which means they will be partly inundated if sea levels rise to the extent predicted in climate change forecasts.

Because of its vulnerability, Kiribati was one of the first countries in the world to be selected under the Global Environmental Facility Strategic Priority on Adaptation. This project provides adaptation strategies for countries at risk from climate change. During extensive consultations throughout the islands, communities were asked for suggestions on adaptation strategies. Seven out of the top ten strategies identified were concerned with access to freshwater, water quality and the protection of freshwater sources.

It was found that many of the freshwater problems arose because Kiribati had no wide-scale water resource policies or plans to draw on. An international effort set out to remedy this, drawing on over 30 years experience working in Kiribati. The project was led by Professor Ian White from the Fenner School of Environment and Society at ANU, and involved experts from Australia, Kiribati, Fiji and France….

NASA astronaut image of Onotoa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, Kiribati