Pacific Atolls Brace for Costly Climate Fight

A World Bank report highlights a $10 billion cost for adapting to a sea level rise of 0.5 meters for Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Marshall Islands. This challenge threatens extreme poverty and health issues among residents. The report underscores the urgency for climate action and funding commitments.

The World Bank has unveiled a pressing financial concern for the Pacific atoll nations of Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Marshall Islands, estimating that adapting to a sea-level rise of up to 0.5 meters will cost close to $10 billion. This figure equates to about 20 years of GDP for these vulnerable countries.

The report warns that a third of the population in Kiribati and Tuvalu could face extreme poverty from climate shocks, with coastal flooding and heat-related illnesses pushing healthcare systems to the brink. A significant sea-level rise, potentially occurring by 2050 or more likely by 2070, necessitates immediate government action on adaptation plans.

This issue is a focal point at the COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan, where funding from richer nations and private sectors is being debated. The adaptation costs involve building seawalls, house raising, and inland relocations, estimated at $3.7 billion for Kiribati, $1 billion for Tuvalu, and $5 billion for the Marshall Islands, excluding other necessary measures in health and infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)