Islands get help with climate resilience

The World Bank has approved a new project to strengthen the climate resilience, safety and liveability of urban areas of the Marshall Islands.

The US$30 million (NZ$45m) Urban Resilience Project includes support for more climate-resilient public facilities and urban spaces, and assistance for climate adaptation planning and policies.

The project also includes the construction of coastal protection, including sea walls, dikes and embankments, to protect important infrastructure in the capital, Majuro.

The Marshall Islands’ urban centres are some of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific, and internal migration from outer islands has intensified over the past 30 years. The lowlying atoll nation is already highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise, tropical storms, typhoons, and prolonged droughts.

‘‘There is increasing pressure on our efforts to ensure there is appropriate housing, urban infrastructure and services,’’ said Works, Infrastructure and Utilities Minister Jiba Kabua.