Rising seas could swallow entire nations within decades – and the bill to save them is staggering. A new World Bank report reveals that Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands need $10 billion to adapt to sea level rise. That’s equivalent to 20 years of their combined GDP. 💔
The Cost of Survival
Building seawalls, relocating communities, and raising homes could cost:
Kiribati: $3.7B
Marshall Islands: $5B
Tuvalu: $1B
But this doesn’t include healthcare upgrades, clean water systems, or education – just physical barriers against the ocean. 🌡️ Coastal flooding and heatwaves already threaten 1 in 3 residents with extreme poverty.
A Race Against Time
Under worst-case scenarios, 0.5 meters of sea rise could drown critical land by 2050. Even with moderate projections, islanders face irreversible losses by 2070. “This is a wake-up call,” the report stresses, urging immediate action.
Global Spotlight on COP29
As climate talks kick off in Azerbaijan, funding gaps take center stage. Can wealthier nations agree to fund these life-saving projects? 🤝 For Pacific communities, it’s not just policy – it’s survival.
