The Maldives, officially, the Republic of Maldives, is this beautiful, chain of 26 atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
An atoll is an island of coral that encircles a lagoon partially or completely. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atolls_of_the_Maldives
In essence, the Maldives is a tropical paradise in the middle of the Indian ocean stretching over 90,000 km, composed of 1,192 islets, in which only 200 are inhabited.
It’s also a surfer’s paradise.
It’s the smallest Asian country in the world, the lowest country in the world, and the country with the lowest highest point of 7 feet 7 inches in the world.
But I think it’s one of the most naturally stunning and being the lowest country in the world, is the one most threatened by global climate change/warning/environmental disaster.
With a maximum natural ground level of only 2.3 metres above sea level, rising ocean levels poses a real threat to the lives of the Maldivian people and their homes.
The Maldives face the risk of being our Atlantis, and we lose the people, the land, the wildlife, vegetation and all the beauty and life attached to it.
Already, erosion has done devastating damage to the islands. I don’t think it’s fair to simply say, “erosion happens,” “climate change is natural.” Because although true, this earth has never before been more inhabitated, and it’s resources squandered and so quickly consumed and wasted. Our presence and our lifestyles have affected the Earth for the worse.
If we take from it, I feel we have a responsibility to give back too.
Do something about it. Make yourself responsible. From the big ways to the little ways, reduce your carbon emissions, and demand it of your government and industries.
I highly recommend Heat, by George Monbiot, if you’d like some more info and research into what’s happening to our planet because we’ve failed to be stewards of the Earth. http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2006/11/07/heat/
