| Abstract: | Maldives is considered one of the island countries most vulnerable to effects of climate change. Unique geographical features, including coral landscape of over one thousand, mostly small-sized and low-elevated islands, makes it constantly at risk of beach erosion and floods (Church, White & Hunter, 2006). Growing pressure to the coral reef due to human development, and rising temperature of both, water and air, cause imbalance on the local ecosystems. Temperature is likely to increase further as a result of CO2 concentrations rise (Ministry of Environment and Energy 2016). Further, as climate scientists anticipate global rise of the water level in the oceans (IPCC 2013), Maldives is going to face increased number of extreme weather patterns, such as extensive precipitation and storms (Ministry of Environment and Energy 2016).
Maldives’ vulnerability to effects of climate change has been exposed especially after tsunami resulting from the Indian Ocean earthquake, which hit the islands in 2004. As a consequence, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) was established, but risk management and adaptation policies developed, especially on the community level are still inefficient. First and foremost, it lacks adequate means of implementation to address the vulnerabilities, resilience
building and adaptation needs (Ministry of Environment and Energy 2016). All of the above climate change-related phenomenon directly affect children and adolescents in Maldives, who make over one third of the total population (Census 2014), at the same time being most sensitive group in the society.
On the grounds of solid data and mindful discussion, a comprehensive picture of children’s well-being against environmental threats should be created, following improvement of the existing policies (e.g. related to DRR ) as well as establishing initiatives addressing newly diagnosed issues. Protection from effects of climate change is considered human right, therefore most vulnerable groups in society should be supported by the national authorities and international organizations (UNICEF, date missing).
This report summarizes results of the study aimed to identify most striking issues related to climate change and children and adolescents. Comprehensive data collection and community consultations has been conducted in order to highlight perspective of children themselves, as well as parents. Undertaken methodological approach allowed to organizing existing knowledge regarding effects of climate change on children and adolescents in Maldives and complement the gaps in the data. Basing on the collected information, ultimate intention of the study is to propose solutions for the best interest of children and adolescent. |
