Case Study: Vulnerability and Resilience

Impacts of climate change in Kiribati

Kiribati, a low-lying island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The country consists of 33 atolls and reef islands, and its highest point is only a few meters above sea level. As a result, Kiribati faces numerous challenges due to rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, and other climate-related issues.

Sea Level Rise: One of the most immediate and severe impacts of climate change on Kiribati is sea level rise. The rising sea levels threaten the very existence of the country, as higher tides can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, contaminating drinking water supplies and affecting agriculture.

Coastal Erosion: The combination of sea level rise and increased storm intensity contributes to coastal erosion. This threatens infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods, forcing communities to relocate inland or, in some cases, necessitating migration to other countries.

Physical Impacts

Saltwater Intrusion: Rising sea levels lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, affecting the quality of drinking water and making it more challenging for communities to access safe and reliable water sources.

Coral Bleaching: Kiribati’s coral reefs, which are vital for fisheries and coastal protection, are susceptible to coral bleaching due to higher sea temperatures. Coral bleaching weakens the reefs and impacts the marine ecosystem, affecting the livelihoods of communities that rely on fishing.

Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones and storms. These events can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and crops, further exacerbating the vulnerability of Kiribati.

Socio-Economic Impacts

Food Security: Changes in weather patterns, including altered rainfall and more frequent extreme events, can impact agricultural productivity. Kiribati’s reliance on subsistence agriculture makes communities susceptible to food shortages and increased vulnerability to external shocks.
Health Risks: Climate change can contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases and increase the frequency of health issues associated with extreme weather events. Additionally, displacement and changes in living conditions can impact the overall health and well-being of the population.
Economic Challenges: The impacts of climate change pose economic challenges for Kiribati, affecting sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. The cost of adapting to these changes and recovering from climate-related disasters can strain the country’s resources.

As of 2021, the population of Kiribati was estimated to be around 120,000 people. The population is spread across the country’s 33 atolls and reef islands, with the majority of the people living in the capital, South Tarawa. Kiribati has a small and relatively undeveloped economy. Its economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and some limited exports.The other key feature of Kiribati is the dominant role of the public sector. In fact, Kiribati has one of the highest government expenditure-to-GDP ratio in the world (IMF). The country faces several challenges, including its remote location, limited natural resources, and vulnerability to climate change, particularly rising sea levels.

Key Economic Sectors of Kiribati

Fishing: Kiribati’s economy relies heavily on fishing, both for domestic consumption and export. The country has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with valuable tuna fishing grounds, and it has entered into agreements with other countries and international fishing companies for access to these resources.

Copra Production: Kiribati exports copra, which is dried coconut meat from which coconut oil is extracted. Copra production is an important source of income for many Kiribati households.
Remittances: Remittances from Kiribati citizens working abroad, particularly in countries like Australia and New Zealand, play a significant role in the country’s economy.
Tourism: Kiribati has been trying to develop its tourism sector, with a focus on its unique cultural and natural attractions. However, the tourism industry is still relatively small compared to some other Pacific island nations.

Construct a Nexus diagram on the impacts of climate change in Kiribati using the given template. Read and review the given study materials from Codrington.

To download the template click on the following link. Nexus_hexagons

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