The oceans influence the weather on local to global scales, while changes in climate can fundamentally alter many properties of the oceans. The archipelago of the Maldives is the main source of attraction to many tourists visiting the island country. Given that these reefs support both the country’s tourism and fisheries industries upon which the people depend almost exclusively, climate change is a profound threat to its very economic base. “Climate change is not an issue that really respects any sovereignty,” he said. To address the issue of decreasing potable water, the Maldives GCC project constructed an integrated water supply and distribution system on Hinnavaru Island, providing reliable access to safe drinking water for the island’s 4,500 residents (700 households). Progress towards it completion was immediately interrupted in December 2004 by the Indian Ocean tsunami. But while abundant in ocean resources, the only freshwater is rainwater that is harvested in special collection tanks. "We're now actually trying to send our message, let the world know what is happening, and what will happen to the Maldives if climate change … Climate Change Indicators: Oceans. For low-lying countries like Maldives, the threat climate change poses is already as clear as the water off the country’s famous beaches. Yet, coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea level rise, warmer sea temperatures, and ocean acidification. While climate change research is important to make educated predictions on the intensity of the monsoons in order to properly prepare these communities, research and education on climate change … The Maldives government is trying to alleviate the worst effects of climate change. USAID trained 650 volunteer marine biologists between 2014 and 2016 on best practices to monitor marine biodiversity. 33-year-old Aishath Farhath Ali has been working in conservation for 11 years. The Maldives is also quite involved with international climate forums and the global dialog on the subject. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. The … The Maldives stand an average of 2.1 metres (7ft) above sea level, and the government says they face being wiped out if oceans rise. In addition, a Climate Trust Fund was established in December 2009 by the European Union and the World Bank for the Maldives. But for small island nations, they are far from abstract. This effort is being implemented through the US Support for Economic Growth in Asia (US-SEGA) program. This initiative promotes best practices in public financial management (PFM) as a framework for accountable, transparent, and effective resource allocation in support of the Government of the Maldives’ (GOM) annual budget process. “But climate change is just one problem we face. Learn how you can get involved and lend a hand. Maldives identifies 12 priority adaptation actions in its NAPA, one of which is currently receiving funding through the LDCF: “Integration of future climate change scenarios into the Safer Island Strategy.” In addition, the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) is currently considering funding for an additional project that may address NAPA priorities. . Climate Change Knowledge Portal. USAID is strengthening the management of coral reef ecosystems to mitigate the adverse effects of climate … Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, floods and tropical cyclones, aggravating water management problems, reducing agricultural production and food security, increasing health risks, damaging critical infrastructure and interrupting the provision of basic services such water and sanitation, education, … Maldives (/ ˈ m ɔː l d iː v s /, US: / ˈ m ɔː l d aɪ v z /; Dhivehi: ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ, romanized: Dhivehi Raajje), officially the Republic of Maldives, is a small archipelagic state in South Asia, situated in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean.It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 700 kilometres (430 mi) from the Asian continent's mainland. Three years ago, thanks to its enterprising president, the Maldives was leading a global climate change response. The threat posed by rising sea levels has been the centrepiece of climate change negotiations, the main issue emphasized by Small Island Developing States, also known as the SIDS. Youth take on climate change. These include the islands of the Pacific, Indian Ocean and Caribbean. For the Maldives, even any slight changes in climate could be catastrophic. We are also helping the Maldivian Government achieve its goal of being designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve–an international recognition that will help boost conservation efforts. Salt water intrusion is gradually encroaching in to the islands’ small pockets or ‘lenses’ of fresh water underground. Funders of these projects include the Australia, European Commission, French Global Environment Fund, Germany, the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), Norway, Sweden, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Bank. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Assessing the magnitude of climate hazards to Maldives has already begun. The archipelago nation of 300,000 people is more water than land. Matthias Hammer, director of Biosphere Expeditions, talks to DW about involving local communities in reef conservation in the Maldives. Find out about career opportunities at USAID. The country as also committed to becoming the first carbon neutral country by 2020 (despite contributing a negligible amount of carbon emissions today). “Climate change is happening but we are not leaving the Maldives to the waves,” said environment minister Thoriq Ibrahim. We drive our cars, are heating our houses when it is cold outside, and use energy to cook. Classroom Ideas A news report from 2006 on the effects of sea level rise on the Maldives. The threat posed by rising sea levels has been the centrepiece of climate change negotiations, ... Maldives is doing a variety of things to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2020. Adapting to harsh conditions and extreme weather has been the way of life for island societies for as far back as their histories recall. The majority of projects are focused on policy formulation and integration, although the areas risk reduction, coastal zones, water, forestry and meteorology are also being addressed. For low-lying countries like Maldives, the threat climate change poses is already as clear as the water off the country’s famous beaches. Climate Change workshop for students on Hinnavaru, U.S. Agency for International Development, The Journey to Self-Reliance: Maldives Roadmap, Ambassador Teplitz underscores the ongoing commitment of the United States to strengthening its partnership with Maldives during recent visit, USAID Completes Construction of a Water System that Provides Safe Water to Island Residents on Hinnavaru, USAID Partners with Maldives to Protect Marine Life, Climate Change Is Starting to Create Waves Among Maldives’ Citizens. Reclaiming islands is the real solution to challenges thrown up by climate change, not leaving the country, says Shiham Adam, director of the Maldives Marine Research Centre. To the naked eye, the signs of climate change are almost imperceptible, but government scientists fear the sea level is rising up to 0.9cm a year. The oceans are rising by 9mm per year, meaning the islanders may have to abandon their homes before the end of the century. Recommendations made in Maldives’ NAPA are based on a systematic review of the risk-vulnerability context. Coral bleaching is a natural process, however with human-induced climate change thrown into the mix our seas are becoming warmer, more acidic and our sea levels are rising faster than corals can adapt to cope. Sea level records for the past 20 years show an increase of nearly four millimetres per year in the capital Malé. But prime minister Narendra Modi cancelled a scheduled visit to the Maldives in early 2015, an indication of displeasure at the growing tumult in the Maldives. More than 6,000 people have attended these seminars. Help us improve this site Help / Feedback. Yep, you read that correctly. (2011) “Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: South Asia.” Adaptation Patnership/International Institute for Sustainable Development, pp.108-118. The largest island is Gan in Laamu Atoll which is barely 6km. The policy is viewed as a landmark initiative within the disaster risk reduction and adaptation communities. The most pressing issues are water and sanitation, waste and coastal protection. In 2011, Maldives announced it had signed the world’s first Strategic National Action Plan that integrates disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. ... Small as it is, the Maldives contributes to … When it comes to tackling climate change to prevent the impacts it causes in the different systems of the planet, the human being applies two types of measures: mitigation and adaptation.. Mitigation measures are those actions that are taken to reduce and curb greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation measures are based on reducing vulnerability to the effects of climate change. The system is fully operational, and is being sustainably operated and maintained by the national Maldivian water utility. The Maldives stand an average of 2.1 metres (7ft) above sea level, and the government says they face being wiped out if oceans rise. Altogether, it comprises 1,192 low-lying islands. The Climate Change Knowledge Portal is a hub of information, data and reports about climate change around the world. Daily temperature varies between 31 C and 23 C. The mean daily maximum temperature is 30.4 C and the mean daily minimum temperature is 25.7 C. Humidity ranges from 73 to 85% (MEC, 2004; Meteorology, 2006). Coral reef ecosystems are essential for sustainable oceans. These “citizen-scientists” help raise awareness and implement much-needed climate impact mitigation and management measures. Individual states are being urged to revisit their contributions as the Paris Agreement enters into force and international forums, such as G7 and G20, play a crucial role in kickstarting these efforts. Maldives is an archipelago of 25 low-lying coral atolls located in the Indian Ocean southwest of the Indian subcontinent. The effects of climate change may feel remote to many. 1/2 of India's 1 billion people are under age 25. USAID is strengthening the management of coral reef ecosystems to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in Maldives. The Maldives is no stranger to the risks from climate change. The Maldives is a famous destination for honeymooners and families, and this is also at risk of completely disappearing. It aims to build a climate resilient economy through various mitigation and adaptation activities. Rising sea levels and extreme temperatures will see millions displaced. Last year, in April 2016, Yameen visited India. Cuba has established the National Climate Change Group to bring together all the relevant governmental and non-governmental institutions. Global warming is an urgent problem that needs to be remedied immediately. For low-lying island states, the impacts of global warming and climate change can be a matter of survival. Hopefully, countries will take drastic measures to prevent climate change from sinking the Maldives. This single event changed Maldives’ status from a developing country back to a least developed country (LDC) and exposed how vulnerable this small country is to natural calamities. After consultations with the stakeholder groups and reviewing expert assessments, Maldives came up with 12 priority adaptation projects, as summarized in Table 3. Not only do they support major fisheries, they also buffer shorelines against waves, storms and floods, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage and land erosion. It's also one of the first to come up with a plan to adapt to a warmer world. Wetlands help protect against floods and rising seas and are integral to the Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP) in the Maldives. Climate-related displacement and migration is set to be the greatest challenge of our era. What other steps could the current government take? Maldives completed its Initial National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2001. Global warming threatens coral reefs around the world. Adaptation refers to adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities (IPCC 2001:365). MALDIVES — At first sight, the Maldives looks like paradise on earth, with its turquoise atolls, sparkling sand, fish in all the colors of the rainbow, and numerous luxury hotels. These day to day activities cause the emission of greenhouse gasses, such as methane and carbon. Not only do they support major fisheries, they also buffer shorelines against waves, storms and floods, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage and land erosion. 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