Coastal flooding - Maldives

Question 1

Why is it going to flood (Maldives c/s)

Answer 1

• 1.5m above sea level - 80% of land is below 1m

- Rising sea levels -> submerged in 50 -100 years

Question 2

Economic impacts (Maldives c/s)

Answer 2

• Loss of tourism (largest industry) Main airport cant work -> cut off tourists -> reduce income
• Disrupted fishing industry - Largest export -> Coastal flooding damages fish, plants -> reduce fish exports/ income

Question 3

Social impacts (Maldives c/s)

Answer 3

• Severe floods could make communities homeless

- Less freshwater available -> If supplies are polluted, rely on rainwater -> desalination plants are expensive

Question 4

Environmental impacts (Maldives c/s)

Answer 4

• Loss of beaches (wear away) Destroys habitats -> exposes land
• Loss of soil -> soil is shallow (20m deep) Floods easily wash away the soil -> plants can not grow

Question 5

Political impacts (Maldives c/s)

Answer 5

• Asked Japanese government for $60 million for a 3m seawall (Malé)
• Changes to environmental policies - Carbon neutral -> doesn’t contribute to GW
• Changes to long term plans -> Buying land in INDIA + AUSTRALIA -> moving Maldivians