'The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.' Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

Core Demand of the QuestionWays in which Climate Change affecting Island NationsWays in which Sea Level Rise affecting Island Nations

IntroductionAccording to theWMO Report 2023, sea levels are rising at3.7–3.8 mmannually. When combined with intensifying cyclones and coral bleaching, climate change poses an existential threat to island nations.

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Ways in which Climate Change Impacts Island Nations

• Rising temperatures damaging ecosystems:Coral bleaching disrupts marine biodiversity and fisheries.


• Frequent extreme weather events:Intense cyclones likeCyclone Winston(2016)  devastate infrastructure and livelihoods equivalent to around31%ofGDPofFiji.


• Changing rainfall patterns:Severe droughts disruptagricultureanddrinking watersupply.Eg:  2011 droughtinTuvaluleading to water rationing.


• Eg:  2011 droughtinTuvaluleading to water rationing.


• Ecosystem collapse: Loss of mangroves and seagrass beds reducesclimate resilienceas observed inMicronesia.


• Economic stress:Climate change could wipe out tuna stocks, which currently provide abouthalfof Tuvalu’s revenues (Source:IMF).

Ways in which Sea Level Rise impact Island Nations

• Submergence of Low-Lying Islands:Islands just 1–2 metres above sea level risk permanent inundation.


• Population displacement: Communities forced into internal or external migration.Eg: Tuvaluresidents migrating toNew Zealand(world’s first planned migration)under theFalepili Union Treaty.


• Eg: Tuvaluresidents migrating toNew Zealand(world’s first planned migration)under theFalepili Union Treaty.


• Freshwater contamination:Saltwater intrusionrenders aquifers non-potable.Eg: Maldivesfaces severe freshwater shortages.


• Eg: Maldivesfaces severe freshwater shortages.


• Accelerated Coastal Erosion:Narrow shorelines shrink, reducing habitable and cultivable land.Eg: Kiribatilosing farmland due to saline intrusion. (Commonwealth)


• Eg: Kiribatilosing farmland due to saline intrusion. (Commonwealth)


• Loss of cultural heritage: Disappearance of ancestral lands erases traditional identities.Eg: Kiribati communitiesstruggling to preserve oral traditions after relocation.


• Eg: Kiribati communitiesstruggling to preserve oral traditions after relocation.

ConclusionSafeguarding island nationsrequiresclimate resiliencethroughcoastal zoning, mangrove restoration,andsustainable resource use. Such measures can help these fragile ecosystems withstand rising seas and climatic extremes.