Climate Change & Pollution
Climate Change
Little formal research has been done to document the effects of climate change in Solomon Islands.
- Coral bleaching: informal observations by marine scientists and dive tourism operators indicate that coral bleaching is evident across Solomon Islands, affecting perhaps up to 20% of corals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem is increasing.
- Sea level rise: with most Solomon Islanders living on the coastal fringes of the islands and atolls, rising sea level poses a significant threat. Many village and urban centre communities report the increasing occurrence of very high tides, erosion of beaches, and contamination of coastal freshwater sources by salt. In some areas, villagers have been forced to relocate to higher ground following regular tidal invasions.
Pollution
- Discharge from ships: the extent of the threat is unknown, but includes oil spills, toxic spills and ballast discharges. Currently, there is little control exerted over the discharge of bilge water and ballast from trading and fishing vessels into Solomon Islands seas.
Some 100 WWII and trading ship - and aeroplane - wrecks lie scattered on the seabed in central and western Solomons; these vessels are beginning to break up giving rise to fears of serious contamination of reef and coasts by oil.
- Land based pollution and sedimentation: sources such as sewage, waste disposal, industrial discharges, fish cannery waste disposal, oil palm wastes, urban run-off, siltation from agricultural practices, and siltation from logging all pose threats to marine ecosystems.
