PCCSP projects more Sea Level Rise for Solo

Recently released scientific findings suggest that sea levels
in the Solomon Islands have risen and will continue to rise throughout this
century.

This information was released as part of a summary of
climate projections carried out by the Australian Government’s Pacific Climate
Change Science Program of 14 pacific island countries and east Timor.

The brochures were released last week at the Commonwealth Heads
of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia.

Data from satellite and tide gauges under the research program
indicate that the sea level has risen near the Solomon Islands by about 8mm per
year since 1993.It also explains that this is larger than the global average of
2.8-3.6 mm per year.

It says this higher rate of rise may be partly related to
natural fluctuations that take place year to year or decade to decade caused by
phenomena such as the El Nino Southern Oscillation.

Meanwhile the research says sea levels for Solomon Islands
will continue to rise by 2030 under a high emissions scenario with projected
rise in sea level from 4-15centimetres.

It says the sea level rise combined with natural year to
year changes will increase the impact for storm surges and coastal flooding.

It also says that because there is still much to learn, particularly
how large ice sheets such as the Antarctic and Greenland contribute to
sea-level rise, scientists are warning of larger rises than current predictions
could be possible.

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Sea Level Rise in Solomon Islands

Traditonal Dancers from Ontong Java photo by 350.org

Like most of it’s neigbouring countries, Solomon Islands, a small island developing state, has it’s share of problems on the issue of climate change.

The country is anticipating many impacts on society, the economy, the environment and human health, all of which are exacerbated by political instability, ongoing environmental degradation, and an isolated economy.

One of the adverse  effects is sea level rise on the Ontong Java atolls, of Malaita Province which is affecting the growth of  Swamp taro, one of the staple crops planted by the people on the atolls and the limited water sources on the atoll.

The government has also announced tentative plans of relocation in which they are looking at resettling the people from Ontong Java to two provinves, namely  Isabel and the Choiseul Province.

The Solomon Islands Government has various projects administered under the Ministry
of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology’s recenlty established Climate Change Division, that are currently helping communities adapt and also mitigate climate change in the country.

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