Once upon a time, in a faraway land known as Kiribati, there lived a group of islands in the big, beautiful Pacific Ocean. There are 33 islands, and they're scattered across a big part of the Pacific, near the equator.
Even though Kiribati is beautiful with its tropical scenery, it's having a tough time because of climate change and its geographical location.
The islands of Kiribati are exceptionally low-lying, with most barely exceeding one meter above sea level. This makes them highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels. The unique geography of the country increases the threats posed by extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and changing rainfall patterns.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. If things get worse, all the people in Kiribati, around 103,000 of them, might need to find new homes. This could mark the first-ever permanent, environmentally-induced mass migration movement.
The Kiribati government is planning something special called Migration with Dignity. This means they want people to move to new places with respect and without causing trouble for the new countries they go to.
Now, let's meet a special person from Kiribati who is doing amazing things to help her islands – Pelenise Alofa, affectionately known as 'Maike Pilitati.'
Pelenise Alofa returned to her roots in Kiribati. Born and raised in Fiji to Kiribati-native parents, she felt a deep connection to the islands that went beyond their breathtaking scenery. As she settled back into Kiribati, the harsh reality of climate change hit her home – quite literally. During high tide, seawater seeped through the floors of her house, a chilling reminder of the vulnerability that comes with living on low-lying islands.
"I was so afraid when I heard the sound of the waves when I was sleeping. Why were we so close to the shore? I felt so vulnerable, like the waves could just come and wash us away in our homes — but that is normal here," she recalled in an interview.
So, what did Pelenise do? In 2011, she founded the Kiribati Climate Action Network (KiriCAN), a coalition of 20 organizations dedicated to addressing the urgent climate challenges faced by Kiribati.
Partnerships for Resilience:
Understanding that the battle required more than local efforts, Pelenise formed crucial partnerships. In 2012, she established a vital connection between KiriCAN and Live & Learn Environmental Education International. This partnership focused on implementing adaptation projects, emphasizing community engagement, and spreading awareness about the impending climate crisis
From Kiribati to the World:
Pelenise's impact extends far beyond the borders of Kiribati. She is currently employed by the University of the South Pacific, Pacific Centre of Sustainable Development, where she serves as the In-Country Coordinator for the European Union/Global Climate Change Alliance project. This project aims to strengthen the capacity of Pacific ACP countries to adapt to climate change through research, community engagement, and capacity building.
Smart Solutions from Pelenise Alofa:
Working together with USAID and other groups, Pelenise and KiriCAN initiated training programs to equip communities with the skills to identify and manage climate-resilient drinking water sources. The goal is to reduce vulnerability to saltwater intrusion and ensure the communities can adapt to the changing climate.
Understanding that growing food is also a big challenge, Pelenise and her team have trained more than 1,300 people to create special keyhole gardens that can survive climate changes. These gardens use less water and special composting techniques, making sure there's enough food even when things get tough. Communities have also been trained on the same.
Inspiring Youth
Pelenise's work has inspired young people in Kiribati, like Teabo Kianteata, a 24-year-old advocate. Teabo emphasizes how important it is to save water for life. He says, "No Water, No Life," showing that the youth in Kiribati are fighting to protect their islands and culture.
As Kiribati grapples with the threat of rising seas, Pelenise Alofa stays a strong leader, guiding everyone toward smart solutions and working with the whole world. Her commitment, along with the strength of Kiribati's people, shows a hopeful spirit in the face of a future that's uncertain because of climate change. Pelenise Alofa's legacy goes far beyond Kiribati—it's a call for everyone in the world to work together against climate change, or else we might see entire nations disappear under the rising seas.
Meghna is a highly motivated and experienced freelance content creator with a Master's degree in History and ongoing studies in International Relations from Amity University, Noida. Her commitment lies in making valuable contributions to discussions surrounding climate change and other challenging social concerns. With a strong background in research and writing, Meghna is adept at conducting research, synthesizing information, and creating compelling content that informs, educates, and engages her readers. She has contributed to several academic journals in the past, and her writing reflects a deep understanding of complex social problems and their potential solutions. Meghna's expertise in writing and research, combined with her strong work ethic and attention to detail, make her an asset to any organization or individual looking to create high-quality content that resonates with their target audience. In summary, Meghna is a talented and committed freelance content creator who bring
A CSR Initiative of
Designed and Executed by
Implemented by
Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
Leave A Comment