Q.How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations ? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

 Q.How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations ? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Climate change and sea-level rise pose an existential threat to the very survival of many low-lying island nations, primarily through coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Examples:

• The Maldives: As the world's flattest country, with 80% of its land area less than 1 meter above sea level, it faces complete submersion. Saltwater contamination is already threatening freshwater lenses and arable land, endangering habitability long before total inundation.

• Kiribati: This Pacific nation has purchased land in Fiji for potential relocation of its population. Rising seas have already contaminated freshwater supplies and degraded agricultural land, forcing a migration strategy.

• Tuvalu: Facing similar threats, it is leveraging its situation for global climate action, even creating a digital replica of itself to preserve its sovereignty and culture in a scenario of total physical loss.

The impact transcends physical loss; it threatens national sovereignty, cultural heritage, and forces the unprecedented prospect of climate-induced displacement, making these nations the most vulnerable symbols of the climate crisis.