Climate Change

The Maldives presented its First National Communication of the Maldives to the UNFCCC in 2001. The Maldives government also presented its First National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) to the UNFCCC in 2008. In 2010, the Maldives signed the Copenhagen Accord.

The Maldives is among the most vulnerable countries to predicted climate changes. Its small size, extremely low elevation and the unconsolidated nature of its coral islands place the people and their livelihoods at very high risk from the negative effects of climate change, particularly sea level rise. Over 80% of the total land area of the Maldives is less than 1m above sealevel. As future sea levels are predicted to rise within the range of 9 to 88cm between 1990 and 2100, the islands of Maldives will soon be submerged according to the projected worst case scenario. Climate change hazards have not been taken into account in the location, design and construction of infrastructure. With the predicted rise in sea level and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather, critical infrastructure such as airports, harbors, coastal protection structures, tourist facilities, hospitals, schools and utilities are at high risk. Additionally, the health of Maldives marine resources, coral reefs, fish stocks, migratory birds, terrestrial biodiversity and fresh water resources are all at risk to predicted climate changes.