Tiny Tuvalu Swamped By Ever-Higher "King Tides" - BBC

[hatrack]

The fragile strips of green that make up the small islands of Tuvalu are incredibly beautiful but also incredibly vulnerable. The group of nine tiny islands in the South Pacific only just break the surface of the ocean - but for how much longer?

During a King Tide, which is what the islanders call the highest tides of the year, waves rolling off the ocean can have a devastating effect. The islands' main road is submerged and nearby homes are threatened by the rising waters. "We have never seen this in the past," a concerned resident tells me. "We have never seen water coming in this far."

EDIT

The higher the King Tides get, the harder it is to keep things going here. A woman tells me that she is unable to grow any food crops because the land has become too salty. The sea water is poisoning the soil and people are nervous. "It makes me feel scared," another woman confesses. "What will happen to us in 10 years' time?"

The rising waters are slowly creeping into the heart of these islands and slowly but effectively killing them off. Water bubbles up in tiny streams; and everywhere you look, it just lies on the surface. And the problem is getting worse. A local meteorologist tells me that the King Tides are getting higher, and it is a trend set to continue. "The King Tides are getting worse and most of the coastal areas will be washed out," he forecasts for the coming decade.

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7203313.stm

[madfloridian]

1. There was a special on Sundance not long ago about Tuvalu

It was very moving. One scene showed the landfill they were using to help build up the land. Showed one family building a new home. It was kind of emotional to watch.

[donsu]

2. tick, tick, tick - which candidate is ready for this?

nt

[hogwyld]

3. I can hear the rethugs now...

It's their own damn fault for building in a flood plain...:sarcasm:

[malakai2]

4. Technology will save them

All they need are stilts.