Kiribati: A Nation at the Crossroads of Climate Change with just 110,000 population
Settled in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Kiribati is a small island nation facing great existential threat like no other nations. It’s a remote country at the warfront of climate change, with a population of just over 110,000 people spread across 33 coral atolls and islands.
The country’s unique geography and fragile ecosystem make it one of the most vulnerable nations to rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.
The Republic of Kiribati, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. Since then, it has faced numerous challenges, but none as daunting as the impacts of climate change.
The country’s highest point is a mere two meters above sea level, leaving it highly prone to the effects of global warming. Kiribati
Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to Kiribati’s existence. As the polar ice caps melt and ocean temperatures rise, the sea level is projected to increase by up to one meter by the end of the century. This would submerge large parts of Kiribati, displacing its entire population and rendering the nation uninhabitable.
The government has already purchased land in Fiji as a potential future home for its citizens, a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation.
In addition to rising sea levels, Kiribati also faces other climate-related challenges. The country experiences frequent and severe droughts, leading to water scarcity.
Cultural life in Kiribati
The small country’s society remains conservative and not willing to adopt to change; primitive claims to traditional lands and family ties remain strong and the same
Hardly is anyone allowed to flaunt their individual achievements, wealth or any kind of material possessions in publi
Their common sports activities remain building and sailing of canoes, fishing, dancing to drums-beaten music in customary dresses, which are seen as a popular art and basis of competition. Football and Volleyball are also played but not as much as the traditional sports.
