Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives(马尔代夫) are among the most beautiful islands in the world, with white sandy beaches, clear water, and amazing coral reefs(珊瑚礁). The country depends on tourism, fishing, and shipping. But the rising sea level and the carbon pollution causing warming oceans are threatening(威胁) their existence.
The Maldives have asked for international help. They are a tiny country. The World Bank, the United States, the European Union, and many other groups have offered money to develop safeguards against climate change.
To protect the islands, the Maldives have built sea walls and increased the elevation(海拔) of important buildings and services such as the two international airports, which lie just 165 feet from the coastline.
They're also building up islands such as the Hulhumale. The new island is surrounded by 9-foot sea walls. More than 40, 000 people live there. The plan is to house 240, 000, providing new opportunities for jobs. The goal is an excellent planned community with sustainable housing and buildings sensitive to the environment and needs of the people.
The government will move people living on smaller, lower-lying islands to the new built-up islands. The new islands offer free houses, new schools, health hospitals, fresh water, and waste treatment. Depending on tourism, the country hopes to build 50 more tourist islands.
"Climate change is happening, but we are not leaving the Maldives to the sea, " said Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim. The Maldives will protect their islands, people and tourism with new islands and ongoing island development against the rising sea level.