In this year's "Turn Down The Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts, and the Case for Resilience" report, the World Bank has drawn attention to the urgent need for support to the climate change adaptation plan in the Maldives, reports the Minivan News. As the Maldives is one of the lowest-lying countries in the world, it is one of the most susceptible to the effects of climate change, particularly to sea level rise, asserts the report.
The World Bank warns that a rise in sea level with have consequences detrimental consequences for the health and livelihoods of the Maldivian people, with the potential to force them to eventually migrate.
Ivan Rossignol, World Bank Acting Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, explains: “The Maldives is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts and has set best practice examples in adapting to climate change consequences." He continues: “The World Bank is committed to supporting the government of Maldives. The current situation is beyond intellectual debates on climate change. A concerted effort is needed to act now while we still can make a difference."