Tuvalu confronts potential climate catastrophe

INTRO: Of all countries with an interest in addressing climate change at the upcoming climate conference in Cancun, Mexico, there are none with more to lose than the low-lying Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. Scientists say its low elevation and reliance on the protective reefs that surround it make Tuvalu extremely vulnerable, yet its people say they are determined to stay put and deal with the problems, rather than move elsewhere.

But climate change and related troubles like water shortages, contamination, and waste management are threatening this low-lying country's very existence. With an average elevation of just one metre, storms and sea level rise have always been a problem here. Now with the situation worsening, some, including the UN, have even suggested that Tuvalu's 12,000 inhabitants might need to leave. According to civil engineer, Uatea Maimoaga, the most immediate problem is a lack of clean, fresh water.UATEA MAIMOAGA, CIVIL ENGINEER, SAYING:

"On low lying islands the water table is very high so to some extent in some places you can get water about less than a metre below so the septic system we used to have doesn't work well when there is a high tide and the whole place is flooded with sea water."

Flooding combined with a long drought, contamination, and limited reserves have made fresh water a rare commodity. The locally grown food supply has suffered as a result. Land has been dug up for development, limiting agriculture. And algae growth and dying coral are killing fish, another crucial source of nutrition for locals, says marine biologist, Semesi Alefio.

SEMESI ALEFIO, MARINE BIOLOGIST, SAYING:

"I think one of the main cause of the coral dying along this area is mainly due to heavy human activities applying to the reef particularly most of the sediments from the mainland."

But tired of waiting for international aid, Tuvaluans are coming up with local solutions.

Local organizations are helping households install water tanks and compost toilets. Some people are building stronger homes and even their own sea walls to protect themselves from floods.

And as water shortages are stemmed and soil quality increased, the government hopes more Tuvaluans will grow their own vegetables rather than import.

But this small nation still needs global help.

At the Cancun climate change conference, Prime Minister Maatia Toafa says Tuvalu will be taking a hard line on negotiations.

MAATIA TOAFA, PRIME MINISTER OF TUVALU, SAYING:

"I believe that we can work together to sort out the issues and the impacts emanating from climate change and I think the idea is to save Tuvalu and all other low lying countries in the world."

Meanwhile, the pressure is on Tuvaluans to show they can preserve the few natural resources they have left.

Manoush Zomorodi, Reuters