Sea Level Rise

Tag: Sea Level Rise

With sea levels on the rise, why conserve coral atolls?

By: Paul Jacques, Island Restoration Specialist, Island Conservation In the face of rising sea levels, you might wonder the value of working to protect low-lying coral atolls. These fragile tropical ecosystems typically stand only two metres (six and a half feet) above sea level, and studies that consider sea-level rise alone have predicted that many […]

Written by on July 20, 2023

Rising Sea Level: More Complicated than Sinking Islands

Sea level rise as a result of climate change is much more complicated than receding coastlines and disappearing islands, especially for the South Pacific. A big fear of climate change is sea level rise, leaving low-lying islands at risk of disappearing. This is not a new phenomenon, historically sediments have been moved by tides, waves, […]

Written by on May 22, 2019

Lehua Island: A Potential High-elevation Sanctuary

Restoration of Lehua Island could result in alternative habitat for seabirds whose nesting sites are threatened by sea level rise. Islands are sentinels for sea level change. Because of their small size and often remote locations, the consequences of sea level rise manifest quickly on islands. Because the stakes are so high and the consequences of sea […]

Written by on August 15, 2017

Lessons from a Tsunami in Hawai’i

A tsunami strikes Hawaiian islands with globally important seabird species; scientists can study its effects to better understand imminent ecological threats presented by sea level rise. Earthquake-generated tsunamis can cause sudden flooding in coastal areas and islands. Damage to human health and infrastructure caused by past tsunamis is well-documented–but what happens to the affected region’s […]

Written by on July 13, 2017

Drones Contribute to Climate Change Science

Drones enlisted to monitor global climate change and support conservation efforts. As global temperatures continue to rise, the consequences of climate change are becoming more apparent. Scientists can collect data on the rates at which ecosystems are changing to gain insight into the effects of climate change, and then apply their findings to infer what ecosystems […]

Written by on May 3, 2017

Black-footed Albatross Move to O’ahu

Conservationists move 15 Black-footed Albatross chicks to O’ahu to protect the species from sea level rise. The James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in O’ahu, Hawaii has welcomed 15 Black-footed Albatross chicks (Phoebastria nigripes) to their new home this month. The chicks were born about three weeks prior on Midway Atoll, where approximately 90% of their […]

Written by on March 24, 2017