The Solomon Islands, a remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise. Composed of over 900 islands, many of which are low-lying, the country faces the threat of coastal erosion, flooding, and the loss of arable land. Rising seas are gradually swallowing villages, while saltwater intrusion threatens freshwater supplies and crops, essential for local subsistence.
While the islands are home to rich biodiversity, including coral reefs and mangrove forests, these ecosystems are also at risk. Coral reefs, which protect shorelines and support local fishing economies, are being degraded by warming waters and acidification, exacerbated by climate change. Mangroves, too, are being encroached by rising tides, reducing their ability to buffer the islands from storm surges. Socially, the threat of displacement is looming for the island’s inhabitants, many of whom live in informal settlements with limited resources to adapt.
As certain areas become uninhabitable, relocation is becoming increasingly urgent, though the islands’ small size and lack of infrastructure make this a difficult challenge. The Solomon Islands’ vulnerability highlights the need for international cooperation to support the adaptation and resilience of small island states in the face of rising seas.