29 Jul SEA LEVEL RISE AND LENNOX ISLAND, PEI
Climate change is having significant effects on Lennox Island, an indigenous (First Nation) community on the north coast of the Canadian province Prince Edward Island. Within one generation the island has lost 200 acres of land to erosion and sea level rise. Of the islands 79 homes, 10 are now dangerously close to the sea.
The Mi’kmaq people have lived on PEI for thousands of years and are now working to adapt to the island’s changing conditions. They are rescuing archaeological artifacts from their ancestors before they are submerged. Computer simulations are being used to determine how the island will look as it is claimed by the sea. The community has commissioned 10 scientific studies on climate change and another study looking at the effects of ocean acidification is in the works. However, the community knows the island will eventually be submerged and are looking at nearby locations where they can eventually relocate.
Dr. Tony Charles, CCRN Director and Director of the School of the Environment at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, believes the Lennox Island community has a bright future despite the challenges. He points to other communities effected by climate change which have adapted to their changing environment. The Clayoquot First Nations of Vancouver Island, are reforming fishery planning, diversifying food sources, and strengthening infrastructure. In Punta Allen, Mexico, the community has developed sustainable methods to capture spiny lobster, and work together with their neighbors when catches are low. According to Charles, thousands of at risk communities are working to adapt to their changing environment. He believes that the strength observed in these communities can help influence international climate talks, leading to an accelerated fight against climate change.
This Lenox Island video was Published on 18 Dec 2015 by National Geographic
Information from this article was taken from “As Sea Level Rises, These People Show Us How to Cope” by Alanna Mitchell with National Geographic. The Featured Image is by Johan Hallberg-Campbell, with National Geographic.