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East Falklands vulnerable to climate change sea level rise

Low lying areas would be more exposed to extreme weather conditions

The low lying land of Lafonia on East Falklands and other offshore islands will be vulnerable to a rise in sea level, as a result of climate change, according to newly released paper 'Falkland Islands State of the Environment 2008'.

The paper compiled by members of Falklands Conservation, the Environmental Planning Office and the Falkland Islands Government, documents current knowledge of the Islands environment both on land and sea, of the geology, meteorology, oceanography and biology. It also describes current human population, social infrastructure and commercial and recreational activities undertaken within land and marine habitats. Notably the report highlights processes that threaten Falkland Islands wildlife. According to the report in the last 50 years there has been a drying and warming of the climate in and around the Falklands, but in the long-term it is likely to be cooler, more cloudy and rainy. There has, however, been little analysis of the land or oceanographic climate data available to develop a predictive model in order for the Islands community to prepare for the consequences of climate change. Despite this the report makes it clear there is enough evidence to make certain predictions. It says there is likely to be an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme storm weather or severe droughts. The authors also suggest that the effect of climate change on wildlife could be direct, for example a change in krill abundance or indirect, through changes in food webs. The communityIn terms of the community, the report claims that given the current rate of increase in sea level, there is a threat in the longer term to buildings located close to rivers, estuaries and seafront, particularly for Stanley. However, in the short to medium term an increase in the number of storms poses a risk of damage to all homes, buildings and built infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, power production and water supplies. The current building regulations in the Falkland Islands require that buildings be constructed to withstand 100-knot winds, well beyond current storm winds experienced there. Reductions in temperature and light levels can also be associated with higher and lower incidences of certain medical disorders, such as depressive conditions and skin cancer. It is also suspected that the changes in the amount of sunlight, rainfall and air temperature will negatively affect agricultural production. Focused monitoring of the climate by the Department of Agriculture will begin to build up a picture of the impact in time. The Department holds a significant amount of climatic data but lacks the resources to store, analyse and extract useful information. KyotoThe Falkland Islands Government signed up to the Kyoto Agreement under the UK's ratification as an Annex 1 country in March 2007. The Islands are not required to reduce their emissions or place a ceiling on emissions in the first commitment period of 2008 2012 and the same situation is likely for the following periods. However, Islanders are expected to introduce policies in line with objectives of the UK Climate Change Programme and as a result the government has completed the 'waste heat recovery' programme developments to the power station, and has installed the first generators in a wind farm close to Stanley. In addition the government's agricultural energy policy, to install wind turbines in farm settlements has been largely completed. The report makes a number of recommendations in terms of further limiting carbon emissions including increasing public awareness about climate change and its possible impacts on the Islands, and encouraging the use of energy efficient equipment and heating systems. By Lisa Johnston – SeAled PR - Stanley

Categories: Politics, Falkland Islands.

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