Climate-induced mass relocation in Fiji
What is it about?
Climate change is, undeniably, a global phenomenon, which requires timely and sincere global efforts and commitments to save the planet before it is too late. The blue Pacific region as a whole is experiencing the destructive nature of climate change, arguably, more than any other nation in the world. This slow-in-motion phenomenon is claiming the entire nations, which will not exist on the face of the earth as early next century warns scientists. Sea level rise is one of the biggest existential threats that the region is facing. Countries such as Tuvalu, Kiribati and Marshall Islands have already started sinking with their citizens looking for alternate countries.
Why is it important?
In Fiji, more than 200 low-lying villages are at risk of sinking and the government with its meager economy has earmarked to relocate these communities to higher grounds. The relocatees will lose their most precious commodity, the land, which is their identity, status and source of survival. The other most precious commodity to which they attach a sense of belonging and will be lost for life is their ancestral home, culture and traditional way of life. The relocation plan also creates distance between people and the sea, which is the source of their food.