Sea levels threaten island home

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SYDNEY: The Australian government has proposed relocating hundreds of residents from the Cocos Islands within decades due to rising sea levels, igniting backlash from locals.

The Cocos Islands, a group of 27 atolls located 2,936 kilometers west of Australia, face increasing threats from coastal erosion and rising sea levels caused by climate change. 

In January, the government suggested relocating residents, infrastructure, and services within 10 to 50 years as part of a “long-term managed retreat.” 

The plan, which aims to protect lives in a socially, economically, and environmentally respectful way, projects sea levels could rise by 18 centimetres by 2030 compared to 1992 levels.

With around 600 residents, many of whom are descendants of Malay workers brought to the islands in the 1830s, the proposal has sparked strong opposition. 

Shire of Cocos Island CEO Frank Mills expressed disappointment, calling for alternative climate mitigation strategies to keep people on the island. “This is not an overnight decision,” he said, noting the deep emotional and cultural ties to the island, including ancestral burial sites. A government spokesperson confirmed that the proposal is still under review and open for community consultation. The Cocos Islands are among several low-lying regions confronting similar challenges. Last year, Australia offered a treaty with Tuvalu, allowing residents to relocate to Australia if their homeland is submerged.

Climate expert Wesley Morgan called on Australia to reduce emissions and shift away from coal and gas to help preserve the cultural heritage of island communities like those on Cocos. The UN has warned that global sea levels are rising at unprecedented rates due to human-driven climate change.– AFP

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