Can we adapt to climate change? The people of an island off Panama are saying goodbye to their homes and moving to the mainland to escape the effects of rising sea levels.
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Exodus as island sinks beneath the waves
Can we adapt to climate change? The people of an island off Panama are saying goodbye to their homes and moving to the mainland to escape the effects of rising sea levels.
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It was a sad day for Nadin Morales. "We're going to leave behind the homes we've known all our lives," she said. "But the sea is sinking the island little by little."
The family was one of 300 living on the tiny CaribbeanThe region made up of the Caribbean Sea and its islands, including the West Indies. island of Gardi Sugdub. But rising sea levels have been a growing problem. Now, many are evacuatingLeaving somewhere that is dangerous and going to a safe place. to PanamaA Latin American country that links Central America and South America. It has a population of 4.4 million. 's mainland.
New homes have been built for the islanders on the mainland. These are a 30-minute walk from the coast.
PanamaA Latin American country that links Central America and South America. It has a population of 4.4 million. 's governmentThe group of people who govern - or lead - the country. believes that 62 other communities will have to move in the future. The cost will be almost £1bn.
Around the world, the damage caused by rising sea levels could cost over £4 trillion. More than 200 million people could need to leave their homes.
Islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans are in danger. But countries from the NetherlandsA country in northwestern Europe. Netherland means low-lying country. More than one fourth of the country is below sea level. to New ZealandAn island country in the Pacific Ocean with a population of just over five million. are also having to find answers to the threat. Some are building floating homes.
Can we adaptChange to fit a new situation. to climate changeLong-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change.?
Yes! Humans have been so successful because we are good at adapting to change. Scientists will come up with clever ways to stop the problems of extremeVery great, or beyond what is expected. weather.
No! It is happening too fast. Sea levels have risen by about 10cm since 1993 and the rise is getting faster. Even if people can move, it is not good to lose villages to the sea.
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Keywords
Caribbean - The region made up of the Caribbean Sea and its islands, including the West Indies.
Evacuating - Leaving somewhere that is dangerous and going to a safe place.
Panama - A Latin American country that links Central America and South America. It has a population of 4.4 million.
Government - The group of people who govern - or lead - the country.
Netherlands - A country in northwestern Europe. Netherland means low-lying country. More than one fourth of the country is below sea level.
New Zealand - An island country in the Pacific Ocean with a population of just over five million.
Adapt - Change to fit a new situation.
Climate change - Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change.
Extreme - Very great, or beyond what is expected.
Exodus as island sinks beneath the waves
Swallowed up: The people of Gardi Sugdub are the first of 63 communities in Panama to relocate. Glossary
Caribbean - The region made up of the Caribbean Sea and its islands, including the West Indies.
Evacuating - Leaving somewhere that is dangerous and going to a safe place.
Panama - A Latin American country that links Central America and South America. It has a population of 4.4 million.
Government - The group of people who govern - or lead - the country.
Netherlands - A country in northwestern Europe. Netherland means low-lying country. More than one fourth of the country is below sea level.
New Zealand - An island country in the Pacific Ocean with a population of just over five million.
Adapt - Change to fit a new situation.
Climate change - Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change.
Extreme - Very great, or beyond what is expected.