As rising sea levels threaten the existence of low-lying Pacific Islands, communities are exploring various engineering solutions to protect their homes and livelihoods. One of those solutions is the building of seawalls, which have produced proven successes, but been widely criticized. Villages in Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands illustrate the difficulties of building increasingly resilient coastal armor. Their experiences remind us just how fraught the road ahead can be in this new age of climate change.
The Afsluitdijk, a large scale dam in the Netherlands, has effectively protected low-lying areas from flood for more than 90 years. Inspired by these amazing engineering accomplishments, Pacific Island nations are hoping to construct their own floating airfields. Local capacity and local conditions can be very different. Though seawalls deliver short-term protection, they fail to meet the long-term ramifications posed by climate change.
The rising tides are already taking their toll on communities across Tuvalu. Residents like Simeona Tapeneko have seen the destruction up close, leading to pressing pleas for better protections. Funded with financial assistance from neighboring New Zealand, a $1.9 million seawall has been built to protect the homes’ rear-facing entrances from debilitating storm surges.
The Challenge of Rising Sea Levels
Simeona Tapeneko’s village has already been hit hard by rising sea levels, which have washed away coastlines and homes. Looking back on the urgency of protective measures, he speaks to the importance of community support and resilience.
“We’re not helpless. We are resilient, we have the skill set, we have the tools,” – Leota Vaimauga
Local engineer Truman Lomi is similarly aware of the urgent need for long-term solutions. He has worked on the Nanumea Salvation Seawall Project for several years, aiming to create a sustainable defense against the encroaching ocean.
This densely populated atoll in the Marshall Islands is currently building and improving coastal defenses. Ebeye—a small, densely populated island—is currently constructing a rock seawall funded by the World Bank and Green Climate Fund. They are utilizing materials that have been flown in from Dubai. This collaborative effort is a powerful example of how international partnerships can support local communities in their battle against climate change.
The Role of Seawalls in Climate Adaptation
Seawalls have recently been at the center of a debate on climate adaptation solutions for Pacific Island nations. As climate adaptation researcher Jon Barnett cautions while stressing their importance, these forms of knowing are not without error.
“A seawall along an eroding coastline is really only a stopgap measure, because we know that [sea level rise] is projected to continue well beyond the end of this century, perhaps by about another 200 or 300 years,” – Patrick Nunn
We commend Barnett for bringing this critical issue into the spotlight. Even though these structures provide only temporary protection, they don’t consider grappling with the long-term realities of climate change. Most important, he points out that shorelines will always be dynamic and that adaptation strategies should involve multiple approaches.
“Shorelines are going to change, the topography of islands is going to change. Some bits are going to erode, some bits are going to grow,” – Jon Barnett
It is important that local communities are not only reactive, but proactive in their adaptation efforts. Barnett cautions families to exhaust all other options before considering moving. Seawalls might feel like the only option or the most reasonable option, but those assumptions aren’t true.
“So trying everything that’s possible before making that decision to move is important,” – Annah Piggott-McKellar
Engineering Solutions for Resilience
Civil engineers are key to creating sustainable effective coastal defenses. In Tuvalu, Hall Contracting has dredged sand from the lagoon by Funafuti to create seven hectares of new land protected by sandbag seawalls. This project is a testament to how creative engineering solutions can be adapted to fit any local context.
Cameron Hall, an engineer who has played an active role in these efforts within SARA, emphasizes how critical it is to extend engineering resources to vulnerable nations.
“It’s a problem that developed nations have created … and if there’s an engineering solution, why wouldn’t we do it for them?” – Cameron Hall
Funding is still the biggest challenge for most projects. Beyond the bottom line, whether it’s planting more trees or expanding transit, Vaimauga understands that community-driven initiatives are critical.
“Unfortunately, we are restricted in terms of the funding of this project, but the reality is that this is a community-led resilience project and it essentially has come from the roots of Nanumea,” – Leota Vaimauga
Even with these obstacles, places like Nanumea and Ebeye have learned to be resilient. They refuse to give up their blue crab fishing grounds and their backyards, as mounting seas threaten every last inch of their beloved town.
