Rising Tides, Shattered Lives: The Urgent Call to Save Coastal Communities Worldwide

It was a quiet morning in the village of Vunidogoloa, Fiji, where children played by the sea and elders shared stories under the sun. But the same waters that nurtured their way of life are now a threat, slowly but surely swallowing their homes. For many coastal communities like this one, the rising sea levels are not just a future concern—they are a present crisis.

The Alarming Reality of Rising Sea Levels

According to the United Nations, global sea levels have risen by approximately 20-23 centimeters (8-9 inches) since 1880.

More troubling is that the rate of increase over the past decade has more than doubled compared to the 1990s. This alarming acceleration, confirmed by satellite records from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), marks a critical turning point for communities around the world.

For small island nations like Fiji and Vanuatu, the impact is devastating. The rising ocean, driven by climate change-induced warming and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, is relentlessly encroaching on the very land these communities depend on.

Saltwater intrusion is contaminating freshwater supplies, coastal erosion is destroying homes, and frequent flooding is making life unbearable.

The cultural and economic fabric of these nations is unraveling as traditional livelihoods, particularly fishing and agriculture, are increasingly threatened.

The Human Toll of Climate Change

Behind the statistics lies the human cost—families forced to abandon their ancestral lands, communities uprooted from the only home they've ever known, and cultures at risk of being lost forever. In Fiji, entire villages have already been relocated, with more on the brink.

Vanuatu, consistently ranked as one of the most disaster-prone countries, faces similar challenges, with coastal areas slowly but surely being claimed by the sea.

The psychological toll is just as profound. The uncertainty and fear of losing one's home to an unstoppable force like the ocean can lead to chronic stress and mental health issues. For many, the sea, once a source of life and sustenance, has become a symbol of loss and despair.

Gebirah’s Role in Supporting Coastal Communities

Gebirah, a Singapore-based humanitarian organization, is committed to addressing these urgent challenges.

In September 2024, Gebirah will join experts, leaders, and organizations from around the globe for two weeks, in Jakarta, Indonesia, at the invitation of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Our goal is to learn, discuss, and collaborate on strategies to help communities most impacted by rising sea levels.

What Can Be Done—and How You Can Help

Addressing the crisis of rising sea levels requires global action and individual commitment. The most effective way to slow down this process is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver of climate change.

As consumers, we have a powerful role to play. By making conscious choices—whether it's reducing our carbon footprint, supporting sustainable businesses, or volunteering with organizations like Gebirah—we can contribute to the fight against climate change and help protect those who are most at risk.

A Call to Action

The rising tides may seem unstoppable, but with collective effort and determination, we can mitigate their impact and help safeguard the future of coastal communities around the world.

The time to act is now. Gebirah invites partners, collaborators, and volunteers to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can make a difference—one that will be felt for generations to come.

If you are interested in partnering with us, collaborating on projects, or volunteering your time and expertise, we welcome you to join us in making aid available to those who need it most. The future of these communities—and our planet—depends on it.