Planning for sea level rise

In a move that might become more common in the future, the island nation of Kiribati is asking for help in planning the relocation of its population in the next few decades:

Tong said that worst-case scenarios show Kiribati will be submerged within a century. He told The Associated Press last week that all 94,000 Kiribati residents eventually will have to be relocated, probably within 60 years.

This is truly amazing – the loss of a whole nation, even a small island chain. It seems that New Zealand is the only country currently taking families, and in small numbers – below 100 each year. While it is a start, and heartening to see frank discussion far ahead of the curve, this effort will have to be stepped up in the future.

It is truly frightening to think of the masses that would have to be relocated even if sea levels rise 5 meters. Perhaps situations like this will help raise the awareness of the risk as well as streamline reposnses.