A predicted sea level rise of 59cm that would swallow the Maldive atolls has spurred their president, Mohamed Nasheed, to consider a new home for his people… with Australia being a top choice.
The president, obviously concerned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s conclusion that we’ll all be over half-a-metre closer to the ocean within 100 years, has selected Australia, along with India and Sri Lanka, as possible destinations for Maldivian refugees.
Speaking with SMH, the president explained that keeping the islands in their “natural” state was already a challenge, one that would only continue to increase in difficulty. Australia was a compelling choice for relocation, thanks to its “climate and abundance of space”.
If you think it’s a bit premature for him to be looking for a new home, consider that the Maldives have already lost 14 islands to the encroaching sea. SMH also points out that the country’s highest point doesn’t even break two-and-a-half metres above sea level. A quarter of that will be gone within a century.
I think the looming question here is can the Maldives be saved at all, given immediate and drastic action? I guess we’ll know come 2112. Well, our children will, and they can feed the data via punch card into our cryonic brain capsules.
[SMH, via Treehugger]
Image: Sarah Ackerman
aussie
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 12:51 PMno thanks, they think its that easy for them to select a country and say we want to go there? what they plan to do here in australia? we have heaps of space but do you think for one minute they would like to live in the outback?
do they think they can get jobs that easily? and what are we australian suppose to do? pay for their welfare via centrelink payments?
why should i pay more tax to look after these people?
why should australia look after these people given that we are one of the smaller polluters compared to the likes of russia, america and china? we already have a carbon tax compared to the larger OECD countries, i will strongly vote and protest against any of these measures.
go somewhere else. we cant afford you.
Rowan
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2:23 PMi have to agree there, this is one thing Australia doesnt need, its bad enough we always get more and more asylum seekers almost every day
Damo
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 3:02 PMI hope you two find yourself in need of someone else’s generosity some day.
vin
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:50 AMPretty sure the same industries in the Maldives exist on Australian shores… thus, you shouldn’t have to pay more taxes to support anybody?!?
…i actually wrote a lot more… but in review realised there’s so much wrong with your statement, i’ll just leave you with the above “you’re wrong” disclaimer.
Wardski
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 8:22 AMMe too, I want to be a dole bludger (rather than a hard working Australian) and get back all the carbon tax + taxes I’ve paid over the last 20 years of my working life.
Dr Zoidberg
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 3:44 PMReally? How many of these swarming asylum seekers do we get every day? Do you actually know the numbers of this great immigrant menace you’re so worried about? Of course you don’t, you don’t have any idea at all. Not a clue, not a single clue how difficult life is for people outside of your little privileged corner of the world.
EMH
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 3:50 PMI would be very willing indeed to pay more taxes to have “Aussie” and “Rowan” deported to the Maldives, there to wait upon the generosity of any country other than Australia to offer them asylum.
For me, the people of the Maldives would be most welcome her, along with the Pacific islands that are being drowned through global warming.
Smerk
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 4:31 PMServes me right for reading comments on the internet, I guess. So, the sociopath community aside, Im sure they could find a place here.
Climate refugees are going to be a big problem which will most likely be dealt with as competently and with as little political posturing as refugees are today.
Nick
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 4:40 PMThis comment has been deemed inappropriate and has been deleted
LucasF
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 4:41 PMI found your comments disgusting and ignorant how dare you call yourself “aussie” why don’t you learn something about our country before you mouth off? What is more nearly everyone on the islands is employed in tourism what on earth makes you think they wouldn’t be able to get a job here? And there are so few of them, it wouldn’t make one bit of difference in the world to you or any of the other rednecks, I just don’t understand why you would object to letting them come here out of anything other than pure ignorance and perhaps mean-ness! Its insane! What kind of a person are you? I mean really!!!! That people still have these sorts of attitudes in the year 2011….I just dont understand.
Deco
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 8:36 PMOh come on, Aussie and Rowan have pointed out what could be a massive problem if they decided to come here. The Maldives currently has a population of 400,000. Even if we assume half of those people could find jobs immediately in Australia (which is unlikely), the need for reskilling the remainder would cripple the Australian university system. This doesn’t even include the cost to housing (which we can’t accommodate), the cost to infrastructure (which we again can’t accommodate) and what cultural and social impact they will have. Saying everyone will be warm and welcoming is naive. We’ve seen overseas what even small, insular communities do to larger societies. Without enforced assimilation and complete dissemination of the Maldivan population it would cause massive social unrest even without the added economic pressures.
wtfaustralia
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 8:53 PMI agree im sick of how xenophobic this nation is, we are meant to be a multi-cultural society! also heres some nice facts just try find Australia in this map of refuges in countries around the world and see how little we take in.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2010/jun/15/refugee-statistics-unhcr#zoomed-picture
MotorMouth
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:31 AMNo, someone decided we SHOULD be a multi-cultural society. The results have been a mixed bag. From what I have seen, the concept is fundamentally flawed, in that encourages us to focus on our differences, rather than what we have in common. It also discourages integration which only fuels prejudice. I don’t mind foreigners coming to Australia to make it their new home, provided they do it because they want to be Australians.
What I feel is completely wrong is people bringing all their cultural baggage with them. An example is soccer, where we used to have serious riots when ethnic-based teams played one another. The A-League has taken that away and now we all support our home city’s team. i.e. We are encouraged to find common ground, rather than focus on what divides us. The result? Crowds are up and football violence is largely a thing of the past. It is the perfect microcosm to show that integration works better than multi-culturalism.
rninne
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:20 AMThanks for the link wtfaustralia.
If you take the time to look at the plot in more detail you will see that over 30,000 refugees from Afghanistan have been given a new start by Germany (nearly 600,000 in total from all locations).
Think hard for a sec, and tell me who has the strongest economy in the eurozone at the moment (realistically keeping it from collapse)? That’s right Germany. In comparison Australia has taken a mere 22,000 in TOTAL a mere PITTANCE.
Surely by this example our economy can only strengthen by taking on more refugees. I’m not saying there is a direct correlation, but just think of the “strain” on Germany’s economy by having so many more workers and consumers.
And lets get one thing straight, the “influx” of people from the Maldives would be over a period of 100 years right? I don’t think anyone was suggesting we take them all at once on the 21st of December. . .
Get a grip and get educated people.
P3t3
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 12:50 AMI’m sure the aboriginal population feels exactly the same way about you mate. Unless of course you are aboriginal.
oh... just a friend
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 1:08 AMyes that is true, we can’t afford them, why don’t they go to a wealthier country with a lesser population like India or Sri Lanka. Listen to yourself! It is people like you who give the Aussies a bad name. Stop being so selfish ignorant to the people around you and consider yourself in their situation.
MotorMouth
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:39 AMCulturally, the Sub-Continent makes good sense. These people share the same values and similar lifestyles as Muslim Indians. I’ve not been to Sri Lanka but India is a country of boundless opportunity for anyone and would be the perfect place for displaced people from the Maldives.
Hesh
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:44 AMNo thank you!
light487
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:44 AMThe least you could do is write like an educated Australian.
In any case, as other have said.. it is not an “IF” but a “WHEN”. I’d much rather have people come here than to some other overly populated place. It may seem that by bringing in more people will strain the system but once a critical mass has been reached, a new order of magnitude in industry, commerce and retail will occur and we will see Australia become more than an emerging market.
MotorMouth
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:43 AMI assume you’ve never been to India? You cannot judge a foreign country by your own standards. I imagine that is a definition of racism. The big cities in India, like Mumbai and Delhi, are indeed very crowded but there are vast tracts of unspoiled countryside to be had throughout India. And there are many people who live in what you would probably consider squalid conditions who lead very full and happy lives. To suggest it is “over”-populated is far wide of the mark and quite prejudiced, I think. The reality is that I have never seen so many obviously happy people anywhere else in the world.
rninne
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:57 AMFor starters, what does this have to do with the price of carbon in Australia?
I say yes please.
If I was the prime minister, my asylum seeker policy would be a swap program with 1 main difference: Welcome those looking for a genuine new life, and ship out all those dole bludgers sitting on their ass rorting the system. I’m sure the refugees would gladly take any work offered, unlike afore mentioned slackers.
We need more hard working people in this country to further help our economy along.
And hey, I’m sure we could all use a vacation? Maybe if we accept the people of the Maldives we could all go into a lottery to holiday on the island before it goes under (hang on I remember a movie, something about cloning?)
I for one welcome our new overlords :P
Daniel Sinnott
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 12:59 PMIt’s an interesting predicament, certainly climate refugees will be coming, but I am certain many of them won’t want to simply be refugees and have to assimilate into another country, totally losing the identity of their old one.
I see a future where other countries may be required to give up some of their land for the re-establishment of such ‘lost’ countries so they maintain their sovereignty
Richard
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 8:36 PMI can’t see why anyone will or should have to give their land to other nations because they happen to be based in a difficult place to live. It seems a bit ridiculous to me. They certainly should be free to integrate with other societies, but wherever they end up should remain under the reign of whoever runs it.
To be honest given they are only two meters above the water line, I think the risk of tsunamis destroying the place is of more risk to them than this. I had a quick look and they had a pretty devastating one not long ago. I’d hope that doesn’t happen, but it seems like living there is a tragedy waiting to happen one way or another.
Non-Aussie
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 11:54 PMSince we’re talking about ignorance, “Islam is the official religion of the Maldives; 97% of the population is Muslim, and open practice of any other religion is forbidden and liable to prosecution.”
Skeptical
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 1:01 PMHopefully the next generations are a tad less xenophobic and protective of “their” island.
Nick
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 1:25 PMNow that is what I don’t understand, I’m going to assume good faith in the President of Maldives but wouldn’t Singapore, India, Malaysia or even Arab countries be closer to Maldives than Australia? Well I guess I’m not at all assuming good faith but it looks like the president is being a bit of an opportunist here, those other countries are fairly stable and have more in common with the Maldivians than Australia. I’m also sure that industrious countries like Singapore and India are causing a more direct environmental threat than Australia. They are not considering the United States or China either which are both respectively, the 1st and 2nd largest polluters.
EMH
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 6:40 PMSingapore is a tiny densley island, and one that will get smaller as global warming continues. India is already a very crowded country with rather a large population, assimilating the approximately 255,000 Maldivians would be difficult. Malaysia is a third world country with a less than democratic government. Seems to me that Australia is the best bet for the Maldivians, so I say come on over and be welcome!
Ash
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:59 AMActually I think they’d be better off in Malaysia, as the population there is already Muslim majority and of similar appearance to Maldivians which would assist them in reorganising their lives quicker and integrating sooner.
MotorMouth
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:47 AMAre you kidding? Malaysia has racism enshrined in it’s constitution. You cannot hope to hold any high government office, e.g. magistrate, unless you are a Malay native. I couldn’t think of a worse place for people of lowish economic status to go. Rich Westerners do OK but these guys would find it very difficult in Malaysia, I think.
Andrew
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 1:35 PMWhy not just become a floating country? That’d boost tourism!
In all seriousness though, this better not stir up anti-asylum seekers again. “Their country sank! If they come here, it’ll sink us next!!”
Lance Royce
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 1:58 PMThis comment has been deemed inappropriate and has been deleted
Christian
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2:44 PMI highly doubt this will happen, like all the rest of the false IPCC predictions, it won’t come to fruition…full of crap
Esophagus
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 4:59 PMTell that to the 14 islands already lost, mentioned in the article. Jesus.
warcroft
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2:49 PMGo do some research. Sea levels have fallen in recent years.
Quit this climate change hysteria crap.
Damo
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 3:03 PMNo one is doubting that the climate is chaning. The only debate is based around whether it is a human induced change.
Tim
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2:56 PMBring em’ on, as long as they’re friendly law abiding people who will actually contribute to the community :)
Most Australians came from overseas at some point, I’m second generation Australian but my grandparents are from England, I’m sure most people here would have a similar background xD
LucasF
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 4:44 PMI would like to welcome the Maldivians and their attractive women to our country at any time. Peace.
Richo
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 4:57 PMDudes, the Population on the Maldives is about 313,920, Australia is about 22,797,127, if we use some think called “common sense “ and the worst case scenario came to pass and the Islands started to go under , do you honestly expect Australia or other developed first world nations not to accept some kind of immigration?
Even second world and yes, third world countries help those in need and to be brutally honest the fact is Australia needs more immigration, politicians and the nut job fringes (both left and right) mess with the facts for short term political gain, dickheads doing a kangaroo court in the pub on a Friday saying Australia should only accept “quality” immigrants make me laugh, ( usually its some guy called “Kev” whose been sitting on the dole for the last 10 years due to a “back injury”).
Give me Sanchez or WO Ling looking to make a fresh start from some hell hole over some pillock called Bradley from Hampshire with an Arts Degree wanting a nice government job.
P.S. I’m half Abo, we had no bloody choice in the last of immigrants that came here, and if they want to whinge about the ones that are coming, they can get back on the Endeavour and piss of home to THEIR country.
Richo
Attila
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 5:47 PMAnd then the president went off to open their new airport – yay for low carbon living!
Foles
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 6:25 PM“ABUNDANCE OF SPACE”! Mr President do your research please!!! Australia is undergoing such a crisis regarding urban planning as a direct result of population pressure that our once enviable Public Open Space ratio, once the highest per person anywhere in the world, has been diminished to the point where even space for Australian Rules Football ovals has been rescinded in Local Government Planning regulations. Pick any country town around Australia and the story is the same, essential services and infrastructure loss is ongoing, hospitals are closing and towns are literally vanishing, arable farmland is diminishing at an alarming rate due to salt encroachment and erosion. The myth of Australia’s ‘abundance of space’ is just that…a MYTH! Of course you can live in the desert…goodluck with that!
Prkas
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 7:25 PMit depends upon the situation how bad it goes. its its worst and people from Maldives have to move from thier country they can come to Australia as per UN refugee campion.
The best soulution is to keep the dignity of Maldives and maintain its islands from water level rise.
Prkas
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 7:26 PMit depends upon the situation how bad it goes. If its worst and people from Maldives have to move from thier country they can come to Australia as per UN refugee campion.
The best soulution is to keep the dignity of Maldives and maintain its islands from water level rise.
Esq
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 9:32 PMI feel for them, a terrible predicament. And we need to come up with a solution. Realistically it is going to be a politically challenging ask for a politician to accept an entire nations population. Particularly if they are nationalistic (not sure if the Maldivians are). There would always be the desire to retain their identity and ultimately some sovereignty. Declare themselves a new state within their newly adopted country?
Franz
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 10:19 PMI don’t think those huts will comply with our building code, not sure what they are going to do when they get here.
Unless of course the Maldives will simply pack up and leave in it’s entirety, eg. the president will split the county’s funds among all it’s inhabitants, then each person can use that to sort their life out… In other words we’re sick of these mf’ing snakes on our mf’ing plains, stealing all our tax dollars.
Graham
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 11:54 PMThe Maldives has a much larger population than I had first thought at over 300k people. I’d imagine several countries would need to step up to take on that many refugees over a short period of time.
Howeverm anyone that has the argument of “what are they going to do for work here” has to realise that an increase in population generally means an increase in the number of tasks that need to be done to service that population, hence an increase in jobs. If no new jobs were created along with population growth then we would have all been out of work and died of starvation by now. Initially it may mean we need to provide them with some handholding until they get on their feet, but thats humanity at work.
Denying genuine asylum seekers the right of entry into Australia is a bit like being on a cruise ship and deciding not to rescue a family floating in a liferaft simply because it means they’ll be less wine for paying customers.
Kroo
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 2:10 AMOne fact that has never been factored into this whole climate change hype is that the moon is receding from its orbit at a rate of 10cm each year, so in 4000 years time the moon will fall out of earths orbit and move out into space. Given that the moons gravitational pull raises sea levels around the globe by 2 meters, this level of distortion of the oceans will fall as the moons pull has less of an effect. Sea levels will rise regardless of climate change or not. It is a moot point arguing about it. It will happen. The people should be repatriated to the nearest country able to accept and support them, with similar cultural ways. Guilting countries into taking people from affected countries won’t win any friends. I’m sick of being guilted into feeling things that happen naturally. Are we going to have a Moon tax now?
Cranny
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 2:31 AMThis comment has been deemed inappropriate and has been deleted
Ash
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:56 AM1000 years down the track, humans will find the remains of the Maldives (whatever little there is left) under the ocean and believe it to be the mystical Atlantis.
John
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:31 AMI for one would like to welcome our new Pacfic overlords.
vin
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:54 AMsoooo who else saw that Neo-Nazi themed concert coming up in brisbane?
Jim Smith
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:53 PM50 years is enough to start building a new country… on stilts.
Adam
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:04 PMThis comment has been deemed inappropriate and has been deleted.