The Struggle Against Rising Sea Levels in the Maldives
Helen Lu ’27
Ellen Chen ’25
The Maldives, the smallest country in Asia with 1200 vibrant coral islands and crystal clear waters are facing a threat to the eager visitors and the indigenous population. Because of the Maldives’ vulnerability, being only 1.5 meters above sea level, the Giraavaru people of the Maldives face constant worries about their land and survival. ABC News says that “its very existence is in danger” and the seas surrounding it “could eventually wipe the lush tropical paradise right off the map.” They predict that 80% of these islands can be inhabitable by 2050 because of the melting glaciers from greenhouse gas emissions, leading to higher sea levels.
While the luxurious resorts dotting the island remain unperturbed, the diverse half-a-million people of the Maldives are in dire straits. They are losing vast tracts of land that once housed their communities, buildings, and agriculture, and their freshwater resources have been contaminated by saltwater intrusion. The Maldives’ environment minister reveals that over 50 percent of their national budget is now dedicated to adapting to climate change. As more areas become uninhabitable, many indigenous populations may have no choice but to migrate.
Because of this dire situation, the Maldives have been trying with all their might to lessen the impact on their citizens and slow the rising sea levels. Some efforts are collaborating with other countries that cause climate change, like China, the US, and India, for their donations to help erosion and create more protection. Another short-term solution they have made is creating Manmade islands that are six and a half feet tall. However, as sea levels continue rising and the amount of time, effort, and money it takes to build these islands, it may not be the best solution. Their source of hope now comes from 3d printing the base of the coral reefs, which will help lessen the impact waves will have on their current islands and make a whole floating city. This will be created in a lagoon and will be sustainable with 5000 homes, a freshwater supply, and a filtering system. Nonetheless, the indigenous people living in the Maldives are struggling, and rising sea levels have taken a significant toll on their daily routines.
References
ABC News. (2021, November 5). Scientists say 80% of the Maldives could be uninhabitable by 2050. YouTube.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PRd4w85d88I
Daniel Manzo, Zee, G., Uddin , S., & Jovanovic, D. (2021, November 3). Facing dire sea level rise threat, Maldives turns to climate
change solutions to survive. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/facing-dire-sea-level-rise-threat-maldives-turns/story?id=80929487
Voiland, A. (2021, April 8). Preparing for rising seas in the Maldives. NASA.
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148158/preparing-for-rising-seas-in-the-maldives
