The Maldives, a tropical paradise of over 1,000 islands, faces a future in peril due to the pressing threat of climate change. As a low-lying nation with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level, rising sea levels pose an existential threat. This article explores the profound social, political, and environmental impact of climate change on the Maldives and the nation's response to one of the most pressing global crises.

The Immediate Threat of Rising Sea Levels

The Maldives has become a poster child for climate change vulnerability. The primary concern for the country is the rise in sea levels, caused by global warming. Scientists predict that rising ocean waters will overwhelm the country's low-lying islands, displacing large segments of the population. In the last few decades, the global average sea level has risen by approximately 20 cm, and projections indicate that it could rise another 30 cm by the end of the century. With the Maldives being only 1.5 meters above sea level, this is an existential threat. The country's geographical makeup exacerbates the impact of sea level rise. Made up of atolls—ring-shaped coral reefs with shallow lagoons in the middle—the land is particularly susceptible to erosion. While coral reefs may offer some natural defense, their degradation due to warming oceans has weakened their protective capacity.

Photo---- Bluepeace Maldives

Maldives’ Early Recognition and Response

The Maldives has been one of the first countries to sound the alarm on climate change, realizing the gravity of the threat in the 1980s. Political leaders have long advocated for international action to combat climate change. In 1988, the country was among the first to voice concerns that climate change and sea level rise could submerge islands entirely. In 2009, under the leadership of President Mohamed Nasheed, the Maldives gained international attention when it held an underwater cabinet meeting to call for stronger climate agreements at the United Nations. This stunt symbolized the nation’s vulnerability but also its determination to seek global solutions to the crisis.

Photo--- Skoll Foundation

Social Impact: The Maldivians' Changing Reality

For the people of the Maldives, climate change is not just an environmental issue but a daily concern. More than 50% of Maldivians recognize sea level rise as a significant challenge, and many are aware that the islands they call home may not be habitable for much longer. Despite this reality, migration remains a controversial topic. Cultural and religious factors complicate the idea of leaving their homeland, even if it becomes untenable due to rising waters. Recent studies reveal that Maldivians are increasingly willing to consider migration as an option, with some even seeking refuge on higher ground in other countries. This has led the government to explore purchasing land in foreign nations as a contingency plan. However, for many citizens, the social fabric and deep cultural ties to their islands make such moves emotionally and politically challenging.

Photo--- UNICEF

Political Advocacy: A Global Voice for Climate Action

The Maldives’ leadership has been pivotal in shaping international climate discourse. As an advocate for aggressive climate action, the country played a crucial role in drafting the Malé Declaration in 2007, urging developed nations to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Over the years, the government has called on wealthier nations to honor their climate agreements, emphasizing that island nations like the Maldives are disproportionately affected by environmental changes they did not cause. Despite its advocacy, however, the Maldives has largely depended on the international community to take meaningful action against climate change. As a small island developing state, the country has limited resources to combat global warming alone.

Photo--- SACEP

Innovative Solutions: Adaptation and Resilience Projects

Recognizing the need for both adaptation and resilience, the Maldives has embarked on several projects aimed at securing its future. One of the most prominent of these is Hulhumalé, an artificial island created to accommodate the growing population from more vulnerable islands. Built by pumping sand from the sea onto a submerged coral platform, Hulhumalé is designed to rise about 2 meters above sea level, providing a potential refuge for citizens displaced by rising waters. Other reclamation projects have expanded the country’s land area, though these efforts come with significant challenges. The environmental cost of land reclamation—such as damaging coral reefs—has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of such projects. While some research suggests that natural processes in coral atoll islands may help counteract sea level rise by increasing sediment deposition, these natural processes are often undermined by human interference and development

Photo--- MFR

The Future: A Changing Landscape

The future of the Maldives is uncertain. While current efforts like land reclamation and advocacy for climate action provide a measure of hope, the nation remains at the mercy of global climate policies. If the international community fails to significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions, the Maldives may be forced to confront the grim reality of becoming a “disappearing” nation. However, despite these challenges, the Maldives continues to push forward with innovative climate adaptation strategies, and its example serves as both a warning and a call to action for the world.

President Dr Mohammed Muizzu at COP28

Conclusion

As the Maldives faces the brunt of climate change, the island nation remains a global advocate for urgent climate action. The social, political, and environmental challenges posed by rising sea levels are monumental, yet the country continues to demonstrate resilience. Whether through diplomacy, land reclamation, or innovative solutions like Hulhumalé, the Maldives stands as both a victim and a powerful voice in the global fight against climate change. The future of this paradise depends on the choices the world makes today.

References

1. "Climate Change in the Maldives," *Wikipedia*, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_in_the_Maldives 2. "Preparing for Rising Seas in the Maldives," *NASA Earth Observatory*, https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/146823/preparing-for-rising-seas-in-the-maldives 3. "Should the Maldives be creating new land?" *Nature*, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00313-x