Impact on Ecosystems in Tuvalu and the Maldives - November 2002

Impact on Ecosystems in Tuvalu and the Maldives - November 2002

In Tuvalu in the South Pacific and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, sea level rise due to global warming is a serious issue, with an annual average rise of about 3.2mm observed. This has led to saltwater intrusion from storm surges, contaminating farmland and drinking water sources, disrupting the balance of ecosystems. Mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems are being critically affected, with a sharp decline in the population of fish and birds.

The Tuvalu government has announced its intention to file a lawsuit against the United States and Australia in the International Court of Justice (The Hague). The U.S. is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and Australia is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Their CO2 emissions are believed to be accelerating environmental destruction in Tuvalu.

In addition to Tuvalu, sea level rise is also causing coastal erosion in the Maldives and Kiribati, and relocation of residents is being considered. Scientists warn that if CO2 reduction targets are not met, the ecosystems and societies of these countries will no longer be sustainable. The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions include U.S. coal-fired power plants and Australia's coal industry, and the delay in addressing these issues is having a detrimental effect on vulnerable ecosystems around the world.

Companies are also being called upon to promote the use of renewable energy. For example, major energy companies such as BP and Shell are advancing technological developments aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, but the effects are still limited.