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Aspects of global warming PDF Print E-mail
Not long ago, Tuvalu contained a number of beautiful islets. It is sad that many of these beautiful and enchanting islets have now gone underwater and one would have to wonder if Tuvalu will be next!

The low-lying atoll nations of Tuvalu and Kiribati are well aware of the implications and problems resulting from the ongoing effects of global warming. Both these nations have lost already a number of their beautiful islets and the infringement of rising water levels are becoming apparent on many of the main islands and atolls. Indeed, this is a widespread problem throughout Oceania with other atoll nations such as the Marshall Islands and Tokelau Islands also in imminent danger from rising water levels.

It is rather disappointing that the world's major industrial countries have taken no action on the serious problem of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. In this respect, one can only assume that these nations are not prepared to impose a financial cost on their industries to clean up - rather they are prepared to sacrifice the people of the world's low-lying atoll nations.

If one looks further at Tuvalu and Kiribati, it is apparent that there will be very little ongoing support and assistance from the world's major industrial countries but rather they will have to solve these problems by themselves with the support of friends of the earth and friends of Oceania.

Tuvalu stampsThe options available to both these countries are quite limited. In Tuvalu, all the islands are low-lying coral atolls and you can only assume that all these islands may well be lost over the next 40-50 years. In saying this, it is recognized that an island becomes "lost" long before the water level covers the island but rather at the point where the rising water level gets into the food chain rendering the traditional crops such as babai or taro, breadfruit, bananas, etc. inedible.

Tuvalu would appear to have repatriation as its primary option although some form of retaining walls around the capital, Funafuti, had been mooted. In this respect, one has to consider the possibility that New Zealand who has, to her credit, accepted many island people will, in due course, not be able to accept further migration from island countries. It can only be assumed that there is a possibility that the Tuvaluan people will have to look at further destinations rather than New Zealand.