This talk was delivered by the Geological Society, in partnership with the University of Plymouth, as part of the 'Climate Off the Rails' series.
This event comprised a presentation titled 'Impact of sea-level rise on atoll islands – is drowning the inevitable outcome?' by Professor Gerd Masselink, followed by a structured discussion.
The dominant narrative in the media is that the inevitable impact of sea-level rise on atoll islands is drowning. Sea-level rise is considered an existential threat to the atoll island nations such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Maldives. An alternative viewpoint is that atoll islands have the ability to respond to rising sea level by building up the island elevation through flooding-induced sedimentation. It is argued that this natural adaptive capability can potentially extend the habitability of atoll islands.
This presentation used geological and oceanographic observations, laboratory experimentation and numerical modelling to reconcile these polarising viewpoints on the future of atoll islands. Informed by the latest research, case studies and insights, it also discussed how a toolbox of adaptation measures can be used for tailoring adaptation strategies to specific atolls islands to mitigate against the adverse impacts of sea-level rise.
