Sea level rise is caused by global warming, which is driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels. This results in the melting of land ice and thermal expansion [3]. The ocean absorbs 90% of the excess heat from the warmed atmosphere [1], so the greenhouse effect has a targeted impact on the current state of the oceans.

What gives Pacific Island nations a disadvantage in the face of sea level rise? The Pacific is the world’s biggest and deepest ocean, covering around 30% of Earth’s surface [1]. Yet the most distinguishing characteristic of the Pacific Islands is their size. Compared to other countries, they are small landmasses, generally made up of low-lying and isolated islands scattered across the vast open waters.

The people of the Pacific produce just 0.02% of greenhouse gas emissions, which means they contribute almost nothing to climate change. But they are also the most affected by sea level rise [1], highlighting a major climate injustice. As the ocean keeps rising, the people will soon have to relocate, leaving their origins in ruins. Due to the small landmasses and low elevations, Pacific people have no higher ground or greener territory to retreat to when rising currents invade the coastlines. Now imagine that: running away from the home you once knew as a child because of the dangers that have invaded.

Displacing people from their land removes a significant part of history, not only in international contexts but also cultural. Culture can be defined as a shared set of ideas, norms, and behaviours common to a group of people inhabiting a geographic location [4]. Cultural identity for Pacific people is bound to their territories; land is home and legacy. Being suddenly displaced puts a great amount of community identity at risk.

Losing much of that cultural history due to climate change and sea level rise is a profound unfairness that not only erases a past but, more importantly, a future. For generations, Pacific people have thrived, relying on strategic adaptations to the different weather events they encounter. Traditional practices have developed to meet the basic needs of everyone during adverse weather events such as cyclones, storms, floods, and droughts [5]. Even without advanced technology, Pacific people have been able to persist for a long time without the help of the outside world.

Another impressive example is the mangrove planting strategy used in Tuvalu to help protect the coastlines against strong sea currents [6]. Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in shallow coastal waters and mudflats. They are known in New Zealand as manawa and thrive mostly in the upper North Island's tidal estuaries [7]. Their thick trunk and tangled branches dissipate the force of strong waves, while the roots bind soil to prevent coastal erosion. Mangroves can also support diverse marine life.