Compiled by – Pothapragada `Krishna Veni’ Pattamatta సంకలనం - పోతాప్రగడ "కృష్ణవేణి" పట్టమట్ట Source: http://www.dw.de/sinking-islands-battle-tides-of-climate-change/g-17513119

"Planet Earth is our shared island, United Nations has designated 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). World Environment Day [WED] this year will adopt SIDS in the broader context of climate change as its theme. Let all citizens of the Planet Earth recognise urgency to help protect the islands in the face of growing risks and vulnerabilities, particularly as a result of climate change. WED will be an excellent opportunity to raise a call for solidarity with the islands. "Planet Earth is our shared island, let us join forces to protect it." Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General

Paradise lost Small island nations around the world are already feeling the impact of rising sea levels. And probably none more so than the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, which is considered the lowest-elevation country on the planet. The average elevation of its 26 atolls is just 1.5 meters (5 feet) above sea level - so it wouldn't take much for the country to be rendered completely uninhabitable.

Underwater property Rising waters have already caused some islanders to flee their homes for higher ground. On the Kiribati islands in the Pacific, some villages have been completely flooded. Local farmers also have to worry about encroachment of saltwater on their crops. The ever-approaching sea means less surface area for agriculture, and a greater need to transport food from afar.

Temporary escape Around 113,000 people call the Kiribati islands home. Locals who've been displaced often end up on the main island of South Tarawa, which has a sea wall to protect low-lying properties on the shore from rising waters - but that's no permanent solution.

Keeping the ocean at bay The Dutch are famous for their efforts to fend off the sea - they built their first dikes to protect land from flooding more than 1,000 years ago. Today, a sophisticated system of dams and dikes allows two-thirds of the population live below sea level. Nevertheless, rising ocean levels are still a concern in the Netherlands, where there are future plans to fortify levees and build surge barriers.

Sinking world heritage Venice in north-eastern Italy is no stranger to flooding - and according to experts, the iconic city will continue to sink. The Italian government has invested 9.6 billion Euros ($7 billion) in the "Moses" water barrier project, designed to protect the city - a UNESCO World Heritage site - from rising oceans and high tides. The barriers are expected to be completed by 2016.

More severe storms The devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines last November is a clear example of how the unpredictability of climate change can make weather events more severe for islands. Many homes in the typhoon’s path weren’t built to withstand typhoons, which previously tended to strike the north of the country. More than 6,200 people were killed.

Floating in the floodwaters Although Bangladesh is on the mainland of Asia, it faces a huge risk from climate change due to its low-lying geography and population density. A mere 1-meter (3-foot) rise in sea level would cause half the country be under water. Communities have started adapting to increased flooding by using floating agricultural technology to grow their crops.

A new brand of refugee There are fears sea level rises could eventually displace entire populations, creating hoards of climate change refugees. One idea floated by President Anote Tong of Kiribati some years ago was the possibility of building artificial islands for displaced locals to live on. Dubai - with its artificial island projects, like the one pictured here - may be able to help by sharing its experience.