Marshall Islands: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

An aerial view shows how vulnerable the atolls are to rising sea levels. Throughout the Marshall Islands the land lies only inches above sea level.

Encroaching seas in the far Pacific are raising the salt level in the wells of the Marshall Islands. Waves threaten to cut one sliver of an island in two.

Houses Along Coastline

Rising sea levels pose a very high risk to the communities in the region. Families are already being evacuated from their houses due to erosion and salination of agricultural land and wells.

The Marshallese government now faces the reality of swelling seas threatening their atoll. It's forced the nation's leaders to contemplate the possibility of having to relocate their nation one day. To where - that remains anyone's guess.

Building Seawalls

Along the coastline of Majuro, Marshall Islands, old cars and trash are being piled up in an attempt to make seawalls and stop the rising water levels. In most places in Majuro there is no more than 50 - 100 meters in width between the Pacific and the Lagoon.

Community of Rita

The Majuro community of Rita, has been badly affected by rising waters. Like its neighbors, they now grapple with the possibility that their country may one day soon physically disappear.

The building of seawalls along the coastline of Majuro is the only option for the Marshallese. Sea walls are just a temporary measure as the sea is eroding them away as well.

Cemetery

Every year, more and more graves are disappearing into the sea. Meanwhile, the increasing saline contamination of water supplies and the impact on crops poses a growing existential threat to the community.

Uprooted Palm Trees

Palm trees are uprooted along the coast of Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands.

Children Playing Along Coastline

Children playing on the seawalls in the Lagoon of Majuro.

The Marshall Islands