3.8 - Kirribati Flashcards
Republic Of Kirribatti
Pacific SID, meember of the SID alliance
100,000 people, farmer British protectorate
How Do Coral Reef Form?
Underwater volcano, lava solidies, overtime the sea mount grows, becoming an island.
Volcano becomes dormant, solidified lava becomes home to organisms and the reef is formed
As the islands sink, corals stay and a lagoon is formed.
Benefits Of Coral
Diverse ecosystems protecting coasts from sea erosion
Acts as water infiltration system
They also provide food and medicine.
Why Are They In Danger?
Rising temperature
Coral Bleaching –> algae did –> no photosynthesis –> no food –> pollution –> overfishing
Kiribatti Vulnerabilities
8 feet under ea level, high risk of inundation
High population density in atolls
High waves flooding homes, salty soil and tainted walls
Pioneer plants have been planted to stabilise sediment
Rising sea levels mean saltwater intrusion, no farming and extinction. Fish are migrating due to temperatures
Rainwater harvesting will provide clearner water.
Kiribatti Actions Reducing Vulnerability
Planting mangroves to absorb wave energy, reducing coastal erosion
Reducing western food as it releases GHG, which chould reduce SLR.
Solar panels on traditional housing, fossil fuels down, GHG emissions down, climate change down, down les ice melting, decreasing SL.
Other Factors Causing Problems
Height - Some islands are only 2m above SL, so will be inundated.
Low pressure zones - Typhoons cause seawater to bulge producing strong storms.
Vegetation Removal - less wave energy is absorbed.
