Projected coastal flooding can be recognized in a three-dimensional model of the Laura area that was officially handed over to the RMI government in late October, according to a release from the Pacific Community’s Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division. The model shows the terrain on land as well as underwater and also shows the shape of building and land use patterns.
The release from the Director of GEM, Rhona Robinson, stated: “The benefit of using a 3D model is that we’re able to visualize spatial coastal flooding scenarios with current and projected sea level rise … It shows the integrated impact of sea level rise on sectors, in particular on food and water security and critical infrastructure.
“Laura is important for agriculture and is the primary groundwater resource on Majuro. The model shows how drinking water from the groundwater lens can be contaminated from saltwater intrusion, thus hampering agricultural production on Laura and, by extension, the 30,000 people who live on Majuro.”
Chief Secretary Kino Kabua is quoted in the release as saying “the model provides a visual story of how waves breaching the coastline can affect our lives just through normal high tides.”
Kabua added that it is important to understand the risk of climate change for the RMI so that peopled the government can take the necessary steps to better plan and prepare in line with the recently approved National Adaptation Plan and Sea Level Rise Policy.
“We will use it with the international community to drive home the reality of what climate change means to us as an atoll country so that they understand the position we take on climate change.”
RMI Climate Envoys Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner and Tina Stege explained the 3D model to a group attending the recent United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. The RMI Government also plans to showcase the model at the upcoming COP28 meeting being held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12.