TED Talks Daily Climate change isn't a distant threat -- it's our reality | Selina Neirok Leem
Mar 16, 2022
Selina Neirok Leem, a youth climate warrior from the Marshall Islands, passionately discusses the urgent reality of climate change facing her homeland. She shares harrowing stories of rising sea levels and flooding that threaten communities. Leem emphasizes the importance of Indigenous solutions for adaptation, calling for resilience rooted in cultural practices. Her stirring poetry captures the essence of loss and survival, transforming personal tragedy into a rallying cry for global awareness about the immediate impacts of climate change.
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King Tide Flooding
- During King Tide season (November to April), high tides flood homes in the Marshall Islands, damaging property and displacing people.
- Schools and churches become temporary shelters, and seawalls are constantly rebuilt and broken down.
Relocation vs. Adaptation
- The Marshallese face the constant threat of displacement due to rising sea levels.
- They are urged to relocate, but they view adaptation and indigenous knowledge as crucial solutions.
Island Expansion
- The Marshall Islands are considering raising and expanding the islands to combat rising sea levels.
- They lack the resources and infrastructure, yet they remain determined to fight for their homes.