Island states are at the forefront of climate change. Rising sea levels mean more coastal erosion, overtopping of defences and salinification of land. More frequent and devastating severe weather events are disrupting everyday life and acidification of the ocean is impacting on fishing. It is happening now, not in decades to come.

From atolls in the Pacific Ocean to the coast of Northern Ireland we find out how technology such as Lidar – light detection and ranging, is helping island nations to become more resilient and adapt to the effects of climate change. We learn that  data is critical in order to be able to accurately map and predict the impacts of rising global temperatures and protect traditions of the past for generations to come.

Guests

Dr Joanne Hanna, Senior Scientific Officer, Marine & Fisheries, DAERA

Wini Nainoca, Environmental Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office

Paul Seaton, Regional Director Strategic Sales and Marketing, Fugro

Arthur Webb, Chief Technical Advisor and a Coastal Adaption Strategist, UNDP Pacific Office

Resources

Planet Beyond: Saving the South Pacific

UNDP Pacific Office Blog: Wini Nianoca

Partner

This episode is made in partnership with Fugro. Fugro is the world’s leading geodata specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Through integrated data acquisition, analysis and advice, Fugro unlocks insights from geodata to help clients design, build and operate their assets in a safe, sustainable and efficient manner.

The post #116 Climate Change: Islands on the Frontline first appeared on Engineering Matters.