International Response
The Maldives' situation will set a precedent in the world for many more climate refugees to come; the globe needs to respond with not only the acknowledgement of climate change's impacts but a plan to reduce pollution.
The Maldives' situation is easy to dismiss, but "sea level projections show that in just under a century, 414 US cities will face the same problems" (Vlad Sokhin). Cities such as Miami, Hamburg, and Amsterdam will face sea level submergence even sooner if nothing is done (Sokhin). By 2050, drought and water shortages could dramatically impact 1 billion people (National Geographic). As migration increases, the struggle for resources: land, food, and fresh water may cause local and global conflict (Sokhin). Countries currently responsible for pollution must see the Maldives as an example of what is to come in their nation if they do nothing. They must understand that cutting their pollution is doable through implementation of green energy innovations (National Geographic). Solar and wind power used to it's potential would cut all carbon emissions by 1/3 (National Geographic). The cities of Mexico City and Paris have created building and sidewalk material that collects smog in the air (National Geographic). National Geographic has even reported that if every American driver drove 10 less miles a week, it would eliminate 100 billion pounds of carbon (National Geographic). The globe can change the course that climate change is on if they simply become aware and limit their use of fossil fuel burning.
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