Rising sea levels are severely affecting Guinea-Bissau, particularly coastal villages like Djobel. Seawater intrusion devastates farmland and contaminates drinking water, pushing residents deeper into poverty. Despite low greenhouse gas emissions, these communities suffer disproportionately from climate change, illustrating the urgent need for global climate justice.
Rising sea levels are increasingly impacting Guinea-Bissau, particularly in coastal communities like Djobel, threatening their very existence. The seawater intrusion severely degrades arable land and contaminates drinking water, pushing residents into deeper poverty. Despite contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions, the population suffers disproportionately from the climate crisis, highlighting urgent calls for global climate justice.
Aghoti Sanhan, a 70-year-old resident, articulated the grim reality, stating, “The sea keeps coming towards us. The fields have been ruined by the seawater. Land is getting smaller, and many people have abandoned the village. One day, I will have to make a decision to abandon this house too.” During my visit in March, I witnessed firsthand the devastation faced by Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa’s poorest nations, where most residents depend on a dual farming and fishing lifestyle.
Historically, Guinea-Bissau spans over 36,000,000 square kilometers, with roughly 2.1 million residents, 70% of whom live below the poverty line earning less than $1.90 daily. The coastal village of Djobel, accessible after hours of travel, presents a disheartening scene of marshiness where local livelihoods, previously reliant on fishing and farming, are now at risk due to rising sea levels.
Village head Baciro Nango recounted the alarming changes, sharing, “About 20 years ago, the climate and the sea started to change drastically. The way the sea has spread is incredible. During the rainy season, the whole village sinks underwater. Most of the rice fields and farmland have been ruined, leaving little usable land.” Persistent flooding continues to destroy newly cultivated farmland and threatens the village’s survival.
The scarcity of drinking water compounds the villagers’ struggles as seawater has tainted their well. Fetching fresh water from a distant village now falls heavily on the shoulders of women and children, adding to their hardships. The evidence of dislocation is stark, with abandoned homes standing precariously near the encroaching sea, showcasing the community’s plight.
According to scientists, global sea levels have already risen by approximately 20 centimeters since 1900, driven by melting glaciers and thermal expansion due to climate change. Projections suggest that significant further rises are inevitable, with potential increases of up to seven meters by the year 2300, depending on emission scenarios and environmental changes.
The fight for climate justice is crucial as the UN, along with the Government of Guinea-Bissau, has proposed relocating Djobel’s residents to safer land. However, opposition from surrounding communities has hampered these efforts, inciting conflict among affected villages. Joao Tchedna, the primary director general of the National Environment Institute of Guinea-Bissau, emphasized, “We have very little technology or money to deal with the impact of the climate crisis. The damage is already irreversible.”
Despite Guinea-Bissau contributing just 0.09% to global greenhouse gas emissions, its people are among the first to experience the adverse effects of climate change, underscoring a profound injustice in the global arena. The call for climate justice is imperative, as the suffering of nations like Guinea-Bissau is largely uncaused by their actions, spotlighting the need for equitable solutions to climate issues worldwide.
The situation in Djobel illustrates a broader narrative of climate-induced displacement and the urgent need for action among countries with higher emissions. Addressing these inequalities and championing climate justice are essential steps toward safeguarding vulnerable populations and their environments.
The text discusses the severe implications of rising sea levels for coastal communities in Guinea-Bissau, illustrating the struggles faced by residents of villages like Djobel who have been impacted by climate change. It highlights the socio-economic challenges and the battle for basic necessities, such as drinking water, while calling for global recognition of climate justice, particularly for nations contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions yet facing grave consequences.
The article underscores the devastating effects of climate change on Guinea-Bissau, particularly in coastal regions like Djobel, where rising sea levels threaten both livelihoods and survival. This highlights the disproportionate impact on underprivileged communities, emphasizing the urgency for global climate justice and the need for international support in addressing these escalating crises. Recognizing and responding to these inequities is vital for the well-being of vulnerable populations worldwide.
Original Source: www.weforum.org
