Taisia from Tonga
Climate change in Tonga is a serious issue. Take storms, for example. When I was a kid, once, there was one cyclone and we expected it to come in the month of November till March each year. But nowadays, tropical cyclones come more frequently and we don’t expect it only to come between November to March, but the whole year. A tropical cyclone just comes suddenly. Yes, tropical cyclones come more frequently.
Taisia from Tonga
Climate change in Tonga is a serious issue. Take storms, for example. When I was a kid, once, there was one cyclone and we expected it to come in the month of November till March each year. But nowadays, tropical cyclones come more frequently and we don’t expect it only to come between November to March, but the whole year. A tropical cyclone just comes suddenly. Yes, tropical cyclones come more frequently.
Patrick from Solomon Islands
My name is Patrick. So I live here in Sandfly Passage (Central Islands Province, Solomon Islands).
There are so many changes from climate change that people are noticing. Now we are looking at seawater, now we are looking at the pieces of corals. Now all of them just die off straight away. The height of the tide. Now you can see that before we notice that the beach is out here. But now it has already started to reduce.
So some of the locals, they try to build up some stone walls to protect the front, but it cannot hold it. A proper seawall has to be built on this site before it is secure for the future of all these coastal villages.
Question: Do you notice any change in vegetation or agriculture?
Yeah, as for agriculture, also it is affected too. Before, people can do gardening at the same spot for one time, second and third times [three crops on the same garden site]. Nowadays, not as long. Only one gardening, you do it. You replant but it cannot bear any more root crops there.
So climate change is changing a lot of things in the water or the sea, the tide also, and the land also, the land for gardening. That is all about the climate changes that we are experiencing here.
Patrick from Solomon Islands
My name is Patrick. So I live here in Sandfly Passage (Central Islands Province, Solomon Islands).
There are so many changes from climate change that people are noticing. Now we are looking at seawater, now we are looking at the pieces of corals. Now all of them just die off straight away. The height of the tide. Now you can see that before we notice that the beach is out here. But now it has already started to reduce.
So some of the locals, they try to build up some stone walls to protect the front, but it cannot hold it. A proper seawall has to be built on this site before it is secure for the future of all these coastal villages.
Question: Do you notice any change in vegetation or agriculture?
Yeah, as for agriculture, also it is affected too. Before, people can do gardening at the same spot for one time, second and third times (three crops on the same garden site). Nowadays, not as long. Only one gardening, you do it. You replant but it cannot bear any more root crops there.
So climate change is changing a lot of things in the water or the sea, the tide also, and the land also, the land for gardening. That is all about the climate changes that we are experiencing here.
Rutian, from Rabi Island, Fiji
Since 1945, Rabi Island in Fiji has been home to many people of the island of Banaba (also known as Ocean Island) in present-day Kiribati, who were relocated so that colonial governments could continue to mine their homeland for phosphate. In 2003, Cyclone Ami destroyed many of the homes, schools and crops on Rabi. Then, in 2010, Cyclone Tomas ravaged Rabi again.
Some of the climate impacts that we are experiencing now is the rising of the sea level and coastal and soil erosion and the water crisis.
That’s what we are facing now.
During the Cyclone Ami, it was very strong.
And that’s what, that’s the cyclone destroyed our previous home, and we lost that home because it was blown away to the playground.
This is the second one, that was built by the government. It was the aid from the Fiji government.
At least we got our home.
At least we have a place to stay now.
But we are the last of the … in the Fiji government, because these homes had been distributed or given to some of the Fijians in Vanua Levu, but they had the house and the toilet and bathroom.
But now when they, when they reach Rabi, they just give us the home, no bathroom, no toilet.
And that’s what we are facing here.
During the cyclone, we have to go to the school building – that’s where we stayed for three days, or four days, to shelter from the strong wind.
During this time, which was very frightful to us because we know as the cyclone struck our island, we don’t know what will happen to us, to our children, even to our home.
That’s why we just went straight to the school building, collecting everything that is important to us, because we know that if we leave everything, we will have lost everything during the cyclone.
So, the important things are the ones, the first things that we collect before we leave our home.
We are very worried about the future, because, the last 20 years, our home was far away from the sea.
We had another home near to the – further down – but now, we lost all, everything, from, from what we have experienced there – like the sea was coming up, and we lost that land from the sea.
Some people have planted some of their mangroves to prevent the soil erosion. And some who have money, they make their own sea walls.
But ask that – we still need some assistance – if they would help us.
We are trying our best to plant some crops, so that we can get money out from it and build our sea walls.
So maybe in many more years, then we can, we can buy the cement to build our sea walls.
We need more assistance, because here in Rabi, like, it’s very hard for us here.
Those who’ve got plenty money, those are the ones that, they can afford the sea walls.
But, like, the weak ones, like us, it’s very hard for us.
So, we need more assistance from anyone who could help us there.
Any government, or any person that would assist us.
Rutian, from Rabi Island, Fiji
Since 1945, Rabi Island in Fiji has been home to many people of the island of Banaba (also known as Ocean Island) in present-day Kiribati, who were relocated so that colonial governments could continue to mine their homeland for phosphate. In 2003, Cyclone Ami destroyed many of the homes, schools and crops on Rabi. Then, in 2010, Cyclone Tomas ravaged Rabi again.
Some of the climate impacts that we are experiencing now is the rising of the sea level and coastal and soil erosion and the water crisis.
That’s what we are facing now.
During the Cyclone Ami, it was very strong.
And that’s what, that’s the cyclone destroyed our previous home, and we lost that home because it was blown away to the playground.
This is the second one, that was built by the government. It was the aid from the Fiji government.
At least we got our home.
At least we have a place to stay now.
But we are the last of the … in the Fiji government, because these homes had been distributed or given to some of the Fijians in Vanua Levu, but they had the house and the toilet and bathroom.
But now when they, when they reach Rabi, they just give us the home, no bathroom, no toilet.
And that’s what we are facing here.
During the cyclone, we have to go to the school building – that’s where we stayed for three days, or four days, to shelter from the strong wind.
During this time, which was very frightful to us, because we know as the cyclone struck our island, we don’t know what will happen to us, to our children, even to our home.
That’s why we just went straight to the school building, collecting everything that is important to us, because we know that if we leave everything, we will have lost everything during the cyclone.
So, the important things are the ones, the first things that we collect before we leave our home.
We are very worried about the future, because, the last 20 years, our home was far away from the sea.
We had another home near to the – further down – but now, we lost all, everything, from, from what we have experienced there – like the sea was coming up, and we lost that land from the sea.
Some people have planted some of their mangroves to prevent the soil erosion. And some who have money, they make their own sea walls.
But ask that – we still need some assistance – if they would help us.
We are trying our best to plant some crops, so that we can get money out from it and build our sea walls.
So maybe in many more years, then we can, we can buy the cement to build our sea walls.
We need more assistance, because here in Rabi, like, it’s very hard for us here.
Those who’ve got plenty money, those are the ones that, they can afford the sea walls.
But, like, the weak ones, like us, it’s very hard for us.
So, we need more assistance from anyone who could help us there.
Any government, or any person that would assist us.
Richard from Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean which is known as the fourth smallest atoll nation in the world, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its low-lying geography. Here are some of the impacts that Tuvalu is experiencing or likely to experience:
- sea-level rise
- rising temperature
- coastal erosion and land loss
- Saltwater Intrusion
- increased frequency and intensity of storms
- coral bleaching and ocean acidification
- displacement and migration
My part of the story is mostly focussed on the impacts of sea-level rise in Tuvalu.
Coastal erosion: As sea levels rise, the erosion of Tuvalu’s coastlines intensifies. The waves and storm surges associated with higher sea levels erode beaches, damage infrastructure and threaten the stability of coastal communities. This erosion can lead to the loss of land, including agricultural areas and homes, and increase the vulnerability of the population.
Saltwater intrusion: Sea-level rise also leads to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, including groundwater and wells. As seawater infiltrates the soil and freshwater lens, it contaminates the limited sources of drinking water in Tuvalu. This reduces the availability of clean water for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation, posing significant challenges to the population’s well-being and agricultural productivity.
Threat to food security: Tuvalu heavily relies on subsistence farming and fishing for food security. However, sea-level rise threatens both sectors. Increased salinity in the soil affects crop yields and can make agricultural lands unsuitable for farming. Additionally, the warming of ocean waters and coral bleaching events harm marine ecosystems, depleting fish stocks and affecting the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Displacement and migration: The rising sea levels pose a threat of displacement and migration for the population of Tuvalu. As land becomes uninhabitable or submerged, residents may have to relocate to other areas within Tuvalu or seek refuge in neighbouring countries. This displacement can lead to social, cultural and economic challenges, impacting the sense of identity and community cohesion.
Infrastructure vulnerability: Tuvalu’s infrastructure, including roads, buildings and utilities, is at risk from sea level rise. Coastal flooding and erosion can damage critical infrastructure, disrupting transportation, communication and access to services. The cost of repairing and adapting infrastructure to withstand rising sea levels is a significant challenge for the nation, given its limited resources and small economy.
Climate-induced migration: As the impacts of sea-level rise and climate change intensify, Tuvalu faces the potential for climate-induced migration on a larger scale. Some Tuvaluans may seek to relocate permanently to other countries as the challenges of living on a vulnerable island increase. This poses complex legal, social and cultural issues, as communities are uprooted and face the need to adapt to new environments.
Cultural impacts of sea-level rise in Tuvalu
Sea-level rise in Tuvalu has profound cultural impacts on the island nation. The cultural impacts include:
Loss of land and sacred sites: Tuvaluans have a strong connection to their ancestral lands, which hold cultural and spiritual significance. As sea levels rise and coastal erosion occurs, there is a real and imminent threat of losing land and sacred sites. This loss disrupts the cultural practices, rituals and traditions tied to these locations, impacting the sense of identity and spiritual connection of the Tuvaluan people.
Relocation and displacement: Sea-level rise necessitates the possibility of relocation for the Tuvaluan population. The need to move away from their traditional homelands disrupts social structures, community cohesion and cultural practices. Relocation can result in the loss of tight-knit communities and intergenerational knowledge transfer, leading to a potential erosion of cultural identity and traditions.
Traditional livelihoods under threat: The impacts of sea level rise also affect traditional livelihoods tied to the ocean and land. Subsistence farming and fishing, which are central to Tuvaluan culture and identity, face challenges due to saltwater intrusion, reduced agricultural productivity and depleted fish stocks caused by the changing marine environment. This threatens the traditional ways of life and the transmission of cultural knowledge associated with these activities.
Loss of traditional knowledge: As Tuvaluans face the need to adapt to the changing environment, there is a risk of losing traditional knowledge and practices that have been passed down through generations. The loss of land, migration and changes in livelihoods may disrupt the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge, including navigation techniques, traditional craftsmanship, storytelling and other cultural practices, potentially diminishing the richness of Tuvaluan cultural heritage.
Identity crisis: The threat of sea-level rise and the potential loss of their homeland could lead to an identity crisis among Tuvaluans. Land and the ocean are deeply intertwined with Tuvaluan culture, history and spirituality. The loss of land, forced migration and the challenges faced in adapting to new environments can create a sense of displacement and disconnection from their cultural roots. This can result in feelings of grief, anxiety and a struggle to maintain a cohesive cultural identity.
Economic impact of sea-level rise in Tuvalu
In Tuvalu, a low-lying island nation, the economic impacts of sea-level rise are particularly pronounced. Some of the economic consequences include:
Loss of land and property: As sea levels rise, Tuvalu’s land area is increasingly at risk of being submerged or rendered uninhabitable. This results in the loss of valuable agricultural land and residential properties. The displacement and relocation of affected communities entail significant costs associated with land acquisition, infrastructure development and resettlement.
Decline in tourism: Tuvalu relies on tourism as a significant source of revenue. Sea-level rise and its associated impacts, such as coastal erosion and coral reef degradation, can negatively affect the country’s tourism industry. Loss of pristine beaches, marine biodiversity and coral reefs reduces the attractiveness of Tuvalu as a tourist destination, leading to a decline in visitor numbers and tourism-related income.
Impacts on fisheries: Fishing plays a vital role in Tuvalu’s economy and livelihoods. Rising sea levels, warming waters and ocean acidification pose significant threats to fish habitats and marine ecosystems. These changes result in the decline of fish stocks, affecting the viability of the fishing industry and the income of fishing communities.
Increased costs of infrastructure maintenance and protection: Sea-level rise increases the costs of maintaining and protecting coastal infrastructure in Tuvalu. Investments in seawalls, breakwaters and other coastal defence measures become necessary to protect vulnerable areas from flooding and erosion. These expenses strain the limited financial resources of the nation.
Reduced agricultural productivity: Tuvalu’s agricultural sector, including subsistence farming and cash crops, is vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion contaminates soil and groundwater, affecting crop yields and reducing agricultural productivity. This can lead to a decline in domestic food production, increased reliance on imports, and higher food prices.
Challenges to water security: Sea-level rise exacerbates the scarcity of freshwater resources in Tuvalu. As saltwater infiltrates freshwater lenses and aquifers, the availability of clean drinking water is compromised. Desalination and other water management solutions become necessary, increasing the cost of providing safe drinking water to the population.
Climate-induced migration and remittances: Sea-level rise may force some Tuvaluans to seek opportunities and livelihoods elsewhere, leading to increased outmigration. Remittances from those who migrate can provide economic support to the country but may also result in the loss of valuable human capital and a potential decline in domestic productivity.
Joy from Solomon Islands
I’m Joy. I live in Honiara.
Climate change is one of the messages that we need our people to know, because for Christians, those who believe in the Bible, they thought that they just pray to God and then nothing will happen to them if there’s a big storm or there is flooding or a tsunami.
But that is not the correct message.
What I learned is that everyone needs to be prepared.
We need to look after ourselves so that we are prevented of any natural disaster that’s going to take place in the place where we live.
Example, if we have tall coconut trees or big trees closer to our building, we need to cut them down, because when there’s strong wind, then there won’t be any big trees falling on top of our homes.
Or even when it’s big, rough seas, or if it’s strong rain, we need to make sure that we don’t travel in the seas, or we don’t walk in the streets when there is big rain because there might be flooding.
So, it needs us to change our behaviour, to take note of the risks that we will encounter if we will go closer to the seashores, if there’s going to be tsunami.
Or even if there’s going to be strong wind, if we cut down big trees close to our homes then we won’t have any disaster caused by climate change. or even our shores, it is important for us to build fences so that the strong waves might not come into our shores.
So, I think all in all, I think it’s very important for us not to always believe in our prayers, but to take note of the natural disasters.
Anything that happens, we need to take note of the importance of being safety, keep safe from the disaster, such as rain, strong wind or tsunami.
Joy from Solomon Islands
I’m Joy. I live in Honiara.
Climate change is one of the messages that we need our people to know, because for Christians, those who believe in the Bible, they thought that they just pray to God and then nothing will happen to them if there’s a big storm or there is flooding or a tsunami.
But that is not the correct message.
What I learned is that everyone needs to be prepared.
We need to look after ourselves so that we are prevented of any natural disaster that’s going to take place in the place where we live.
Example, if we have tall coconut trees or big trees closer to our building, we need to cut them down, because when there’s strong wind, then there won’t be any big trees falling on top of our homes.
Or even when it’s big, rough seas, or if it’s strong rain, we need to make sure that we don’t travel in the seas, or we don’t walk in the streets when there is big rain because there might be flooding.
So, it needs us to change our behaviour, to take note of the risks that we will encounter if we will go closer to the seashores, if there’s going to be tsunami.
Or even if there’s going to be strong wind, if we cut down big trees close to our homes then we won’t have any disaster caused by climate change. or even our shores, it is important for us to build fences so that the strong waves might not come into our shores.
So, I think all in all, I think it’s very important for us not to always believe in our prayers, but to take note of the natural disasters.
Anything that happens, we need to take note of the importance of being safety, keep safe from the disaster, such as rain, strong wind or tsunami.
Sally from Solomon Islands
Halo Oloketa (Hello, all)! I am Sally Kura from the Solomon Islands and I work as a Project Officer for the GET IT project at UCSI Assembly office, based in Munda.
Well, climate change is one of the ongoing issues that affects our livelihood. As we experienced back in the village, the sea-level rise has caused damage and coastal erosion along the shore. This also leads to water salinity, so we have to fetch fresh water up the hill. Added on to that, changes in the weather pattern have caused a loss of soil fertility, so at times we don’t have a good harvest from our garden. All in all, climate change really affects our livelihood, health and environment.
Sally from Solomon Islands
Halo Oloketa (Hello, all)! I am Sally Kura from the Solomon Islands and I work as a Project Officer for the GET IT project at UCSI Assembly office, based in Munda.
Well, climate change is one of the ongoing issues that affects our livelihood. As we experienced back in the village, the sea-level rise has caused damage and coastal erosion along the shore. This also leads to water salinity, so we have to fetch fresh water up the hill. Added on to that, changes in the weather pattern have caused a loss of soil fertility, so at times we don’t have a good harvest from our garden. All in all, climate change really affects our livelihood, health and environment.
Everyone’s story is important
Alongside research and resources, the Climate Mobility Hub shares the real-life impacts that disasters and climate change are having on people’s lives and homes.
Tell us how the changing climate is affecting your home and your feelings about the future there. We welcome you to share your thoughts about the solutions you want to see – or already see your community putting into action – in response to climate change.
Together we can inform and influence the laws and policies of the future.
Just use a smartphone to record a video, or send a voice memo and a photo (or a few) of you and your place.
No matter how big or small the impact you’ve felt – your story is important.
Send your story in images or video to kaldorcentre@unsw.edu.au. Please include your name and the best way for us to contact you.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
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