Climate change migration from low-lying small island communities

Abstract

Climate change research has recorded increases in surface temperatures and evidence of sea-level rise. While there is great debate about climate change projections, problems of sea level inundation have already been experienced in low-lying small islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Sea flooding in these communities has initially occurred as storm surges from hurricanes, cyclones and distant storms accompanied by high tides, producing episodes of intense inundation and erosion. It has taken the momentum of evidence during this decade to move governments and institutions to acknowledge the need for adaptive action, although much of the human population remains largely unaware. Making people aware of the changing environment and climate requires a number of complex processes.