The Impact Of Climate Change In Kiribati

Reflection Paper # 2 One concept that became apparent in this unit was how climate change has had such a dramatic effect on the island of Kiribati and its people. Climate change in Kiribati is allegedly associated with the environmental pollution and chemical by-products of other nations such as Australia, England, China, and the United States. Evidence has been presented showing the Kiribati Island is at risk of vanishing as a result of the monstrous waves in the South Pacific Ocean. However, even though the United States is one of the largest known sources of extreme gas emissions, we cannot only blame it and the other developed countries. We must look also to the government of the Kiribati itself, which has done little to decrease their

With an abundance of garbage and waste throughout the island, as well as unstable contaminate levels in drinking water; the government is making little if any effort toward attempting to improve the island’s environment for the Kiribati people which contributes to extreme pollution levels and ultimately to climate change. Additionally, there are a large percentage of resources being used up without renewing them and the government seems to be overlooking concerns regarding ongoing health risks that have caused the people to develop illnesses. “Speaking at the annual South Pacific Forum in Fiji, Mr. Tong, the president of Kiribati, stated that rising sea levels would create countless environmental refugees.” (Marks, K, 2011) Therefore, one can conclude that without changes being made, not only locally, but also on a grander scale by developed nations, regarding the environmental impact of pollution, the sea level will eventually overlap the island and people will be forced to relocate or face

Who is responsible? In Meredith’s discussion, she mentions in closing that she believes the Kiribati Island will inevitably vanish due to the severe climate change and the lack of responses from their society. She also mentions that we can attempt to slow down global warming, but Kiribati will forever be affected by the climate change. According to climate.gov, increased flooding has already forced some villagers to move inland, but that this short trip is a temporary solution since we are in danger of falling off if we keep moving back. Meredith and I are in complete agreement because one can see there is an obvious lack of desire expressed by the people to help improve the situation on the island. Relying on the government to be responsible has done nothing for the people or for the island. Therefore, the people should take the initiative if their country is deemed to be unsafe. Another discussion on the same topic by Cayli Bump also interested me. Cayli mentions that the people of Kiribati are to blame because they have been importing goods instead of using natural resources which, as she points out, contributes to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions due to planes being used to deliver the goods. I fully agree that when you have ample supplies of resources at your disposal, the country should develop methods to