2022-2023 Climate Change is Irreversible And Inevitable
A look back to 2022 and one will see the physical impacts of climate change escalate in its different geographi-
Whether it be in the highlands of Fiji’s two main islands or in the maritime division, climate change is irreversible and inevitable.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, it states that every corner of the planet is already being affected and it could get far worse.
“It is unequivocal.” Those three clear-cut words were used in the Working Group I Sixth Assessment Report to describe the climate crisis caused by human activities affecting every corner of the planet’s atmosphere, ocean, and land.
SEAGRASS: THE LUNGS OF OUR OCEAN- LAU GROUP
A recap of 2022. Over 300 kilometres away from Viti Levu, villagers in the Lau group opened their homes and minds to informative community awareness programs related to climate change.
In March of 2022, seagrass researcher Carrie Wentzel, toured the Lau group giving insight on the importance of seagrass to villagers. Many villagers were unaware of the vital role seagrass played in the marine ecosystem.
Some saw it as an eyesore on their beachfronts and weeding it out was a common sight. However, it became an eyeopener when she revealed its details.
“Seagrass is actually the most important ecosystem in the ocean as it is ranked number three for economic value of any ecosystem in the world which is well above coral and mangroves,” Ms Wentzel said.
“It fights directly against climate change in the way that it grows. It sequesters carbon when it grows and puts out oxygen so it’s the lungs of the ocean.”
Ms Wentzel said this process helped rebalance the current imbalance that is causing climate change. Ms Wentzel is a US Fulbright Fellow working with Conservation International Fiji and the University of the South Pacific, Marine Studies Programme.
SAND BAGS PROTECT BEACH FRONTS - MALOLO
Sea level will continue to rise for centuries according to the IPCC Fifth assessment report.
“The IPCC expects 0.3 to 0.6 metres of sea level rise by 2100. A host of competing factors will influence how global sea changes translate to regional and local scales,” IPCC report stated.
Located West of Nadi and South of the Yasawa group lies the spectacular white sandy beaches of the Mamanuca group.
However, the beach fronts of the two villages, Solevu and Yaro are prone to sea level rise, saltwater inundation, and coastal erosion.
In August of 2022, 60-year-old Solevu villager Maika Nasilasila was seen continuing his tradition of resilient work at the village beachfront.
Mr Nasilasila shared the reality of sea level rise being his enemy and the use of sandbags as a barrier has kept him safe behind enemy lines.
Built in 2018, the sandbags are now four stacks high and have combated three cyclones.
According to National