Shores in Peril | Coastal erosion in Belize

The remote island nation of Niue thrives on a culture deeply connected to the ocean. But as Niue grapples with rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather — events that have even led to the destruction of the country’s museum — the climate crisis is exacting a toll of immeasurable significance: the erosion of Niue’s traditions, language, and culture.

With the highest point of the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu just two meters above sea level, rising sea levels are poised to devastate the country — 95% of the islands are projected to be underwater by the end of the century, and changing weather patterns are bringing more frequent and prolonged droughts, devastating vital farmland. But Tuvaluans are pioneering long-term solutions to turn the tide, cultivating sustainable food security measures and developing coastal adaptation infrastructure that can be applied across the Pacific.

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian left 70,000 Bahamians homeless and caused $3.4 billion in damage. In the aftermath, The Bahamas came together to revitalize communities and ecosystems devastated by the storm. Natural resources like mangroves and coral reefs are the first line of defense against weather events, acting as buffers that mitigate the severity of floods and storm surges. But climate change is weakening these vital habitats and increasing the intensity and frequency of catastrophic storms. Still reeling from the destruction, Bahamians remain united and resilient, working to restore the terrestrial and marine environment and prepare for future disasters.